A Tree and a Ruler

O. T. #1983  "A Tree and a Ruler"

July 15, 2021

Daniel 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

King Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonian empire had his first dream given by God about the great image  that was brought down by the stone. It illustrated the world's mighty empires ruling throughout the ages would eventually be brought down by other conquerors. Finally, Jesus Christ will come and reign over His kingdom for a thousand years on earth. Now, the king was troubled by this dream before he learned its meaning through Daniel. (chapter 2)

In this chapter, Neb has a second dream, which terrified him: (verse 5)

• A very tall tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. (verse 11)
• It had fresh green leaves and loaded with fruit for all to eat. So birds nested in its branches and wild animals lived in its shade. All the world was fed from this tree. (verse 12)
•  Then an watcher (an angel-as guardian) came down from heaven and gave directions. (verse 13)
• Cut down the tree and his branches; shake off his leaves; scatter his fruit; let the beasts and fowls get away from under it. (verse 14)
• But leave a stump and roots in the ground, binding it with a band of iron and bronze, surrounded by tender grass; let him be drenched with the dew and live with the animals among the plants of the field.  (verse 15) 
• For 7 periods of time let his heart (mind; understanding; heart) be changed of a wild animal instead of a human. (verse 16)

Did you pick up on the phrases "cut down, shake off, and scatter?"  What do we need cut, shaken, and scattered in our life by God? I do not want anything to be more important in my life  than God and Jesus.

Don't hold anything so tightly that it hurts when God takes it away. That includes houses, jobs, people.

LET IT GROW

What was the purpose of this decree and dream? We find the answer in verse 17:

... to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Do we stop to think about our God being the Most High God, who overrules man's kingdoms and His superiority is over all so-called gods? His sovereign rule is above governments, businesses, and religious leaders in this world. this includes His sovereign rule over all of our plans and desires.

The challenge today for us is: will we yield to God's sovereign rule over our life, our plans and desires, details, jobs, where we attend worship services, and sharing His Word, salvation, and love? Who rules us? God or us?

LET IT GO

Heavenly Father, The Most High God, please come and rule over our lives, our hearts, our desires.

Change our hearts today.

Your will, Your way, today, always, I pray. Work on me, so I will be....