Pride and Punishment

O. T. #1984  "Pride and Punishment"

July 16, 2021

Daniel 4-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

King Neb had his second dream from God. And a second time his magicians could not tell what it was and its meaning. So Daniel was brought in to do it. Here is his interpretation:

• The tree is Nebuchadnezzar; he had grown strong and great.
• His greatness reached heaven and ruled to the ends of the earth.
• The messenger from heaven said to cut down the tree and destroy it, leaving the stump and roots in the ground.
• Bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass.
• Let him be drenched with dew; then for 7 years let him live with the animals.
• He would get his kingdom back when Neb learned the Most High  rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.

Daniel warned the king to stop sinning and do what is right; Also, to break from your past and be merciful to the poor. The thing is, Neb was not in control, nor the ruler over the world; he was not god, for Almighty God is. Pride kept him from admitting that. At that time, Neb did not repent and throw himself on the mercy of God.

Do we surrender to God as ruler over our life? Is pride controlling us?

LET IT GROW

God showed Neb grace, allowing 12 months to pass before His judgment of the king's arrogance came. (verse 29) He was now old and had reigned about 40 years as king.

The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?(verse 30)

Sounds like he had an "I" problem.  After that happened, a voice from heaven told Neb that his kingdom was departed from him. (verse 31) Immediately, he was struck with a form of madness, causing him to behave and live like an animal.

Wow! Had the king's pride reached its peak or what? Do we allow our accomplishments to cause us to forget God? Pride is one of the sins that God hates, among the listings in Proverbs 6.

When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. (Prov. 11:2)

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

 

LET IT GO

Heavenly Father, You alone own all things.

We are only here by Your amazing grace and mercy.

You allow us to have and use all that we have.

Our righteousness is filthy rags, so cover us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Make us new.

Rule in our hearts and lives so we give You glory.