The Daily Nosh – Daniel 4:34, 37
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… 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. (ESV) Daniel 4:34, 37
Nosh: The Scripture records that, at that time in history, Nebuchadnezzar ruled over the greatest empire on earth. He had become proud and self-important to the point that he believed he was the source of his great power and wealth. Daniel, the Jewish prophet, warned him that God was about to judge his pride and humble him for a period of seven years. After that he would resume his normal duties as king howbeit humbly before the God of Israel. Nebuchadnezzar resisted God’s warning for a year before judgment fell. The result of God’s humbling discipline was his recognition of God’s Kingship overall and that he, Nebuchadnezzar, was not his own master. He embraced God’s discipline, acknowledging his great pride. The lesson here is, regardless of the station in life we hold or the successes we have, it is wise to cultivate and maintain a posture of humility before God than to wait for Him to do it for us.