“‘This is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High,.. that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will… Your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules…’
“King Nebuchadnezzar… said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?..’ Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar…
“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,
for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand.’
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Daniel 4:24-26,30,33-35,37
In the world’s eyes and his own, King Nebuchadnezzar was quite the man. His kingdom was broad and powerful and in human eyes, glorious. But God had His eye on him for eternal good, and would not allow him to continue his earthly reign without acknowledging that the He, Most High, ruled over all. Man in his pomp will not remain. (Psalm 49:12)
Through a series of visions and strange fulfillments, the Lord humbled this most famous of kings, and in the sum of his life he knew that he knew that Heaven rules. All that would have turned to dust was now for him an eternal treasure trove. His crown was indeed the Lord’s. (Daniel 4:4-23; Psalm 111:10; Matthew 6:19-21; Revelation 4:10-11)
On earth we take positions and are entrusted with various authority. In the home, workplace, and community we are personal regents over whatever kingdom we’ve been assigned. And that’s the point: the Lord is the ultimate Sovereign. What we think we’ve earned or have a natural right to own or direct or control comes from or is appointed by God.
He is the One who raises up and brings low, He assigns place and gifting and determines the measure of each life. Therein, He lovingly gives freedom to handle assignments according to our inspiration and ability. Are we doing all as unto Him? (Daniel 1:21; Acts 17:26; James 1:17)
Where have we taken credit for worldly success? What accomplishments or accolades do we flaunt as ours? Where do we selfishly, greedily, pridefully, or rudely misuse authority granted to us? When will we humble ourselves before God’s mighty hand and acknowledge Him as Lord of all? Only in believing and behaving as though He is Sovereign will we flourish with true hope and joy. (1 Peter 5:6)
Sovereign God, may my desires, words, and actions exalt You as the Most High, always.
As the rain and snow 