What an incredible example we have in Daniel who understood that exercising faith in God eradicates fear, gives power, and a sound mind (see 2 Timothy 1:7). For a second time, King Nebuchadnezzar summoned Daniel to interpret another disturbing dream. The arrogant king needed a faithful person to speak truth to him.
King Nebuchadnezzar was flourishing at the epitome of his reign believing he was the source of his success. In His mercy, God warned the king through a nightmare of impending judgement.
"This is so that the living will know that the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms. He gives them to anyone he wants and sets the lowliest of people over them." (Dan. 4:17)
Daniel likely felt concern as well as conviction to share the truth with this incredibly prideful man. "Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5) As disciples of Christ we too are to "speak the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15) Like Daniel, our compassion and conviction are meant to work together.
Sadly, pride is the great sin that infects not only kings, but you and me. We are quick to despise pride in others, yet it is much harder to pinpoint in our own hearts. When we consider ourselves to be the plumb line of what is admirable and give credit to ourselves, we push truth aside and agree with the lie that made Satan God’s enemy.
Commentator Bryan Chapell wrote, "Talent, brains, and opportunity mean nothing apart from God's provision." We are wise to remember what God supplies and even allows us to become is a gift of pure grace.
By this grace, the king acknowledged God and stopped quite literally living like a donkey (Dan. 4:32-33). "But at the end of those days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity returned to me. Then I praised the Most High and honored and glorified him who lives forever..." (Dan. 4:34)
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and glorify the King of the heavens, because all his works are true and his ways are just. He is able to humble those who walk in pride." (Dan. 4:37)
The moment the disturbed king worshipped the Most High, God restored him to being a man created in His image. Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed the universal, timeless truths that (1) "all his works are true," (2) "his ways are just," and (3) "He is able to humble those who walk in pride." (Dan. 4:37)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) King Nebuchadnezzar is the antithesis of Christ our King. Jesus is sinless, eternal God, merciful servant, humble and exalted by God (see Philippians 2:6-11). This is the faith we fan into flame. The gift which gives a sound mind to worship God and serve His Kingdom. Today lift your eyes to the Most High King who loves you, restores you, and empowers you to be a truth teller for His glory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me recognize and overcome pride. You are the giver of all good gifts, my Source of strength and comfort. I look to You in humility for help. I pray this in my mighty Savior Jesus' name.