November 27, 2018
WILL WE SEE OLD NEB IN HEAVEN?
This is a most unusual testimony. A pagan king bends the knee and worships the Most High God.
The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, had defeated Judah, destroying Jerusalem’s walls and Temple. He carried off thousands of Jewish exiles, among them a young man named Daniel. After conquering much of the Middle East, old Neb settled down and turned Babylon into one of the Seven Wonders of the World, its hanging gardens, city walls, and palace, among the richest and most beautiful any where. Yet, in spite of God’s warning through the prophet Daniel to humble himself and stop sinning, Nebuchadnezzar was full of pride and unrepentant.
So God humbled him, making him live like a beast of the field. After a year, old Neb came to his senses and worshiped the Lord. His testimony of the Lord’s righteousness and power has led many to think that old Neb truly placed his faith in the God of Israel. Perhaps he became a true believer. I wonder, will we see old Neb in heaven?
February 25, 2018
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Daniel 4
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exposition
Have you ever considered what God has done for you? Do realize that He was already at work in your life even before you were born? In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed the signs and wonders that the Most High God had done for him to all who dwelt on the earth. We can recognize how the Lord is already at work in our lives.
November 27, 2016
After Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream, he boldly added advice that the king repent of sin and heed God’s warning. What a special relationship God had given Daniel with the king, that he could be so bold without the king’s reprisal! Yet, Nebuchadnezzer didn’t repent, and after a year went by, his nightmare became a reality. God humbled the prideful king. I wonder why God chose to give this pagan Babylonian king such revelations? And why did God provide not only dreams, but also a faithful interpreter in Daniel? It reminds me of how God gave the Egyptian Pharaoh a dream, and then sent him Joseph to interpret it. What was God’s overarching purpose in giving such revelations to pagan kings and providing godly men to interpret them? Perhaps it was at least twofold: 1) God revealed Himself to them that they might repent and believe. 2) God provided godly prophets to find favor with the pagan kings, so that God’s people might prosper even while exiled in a foreign land. How might Daniel’s relationship with Nebuchadnezzar be applied to how we relate to worldly kings, presidents, governors and employers today?
November 27, 2011
King Nebuchadnezzar learned this first hand after his pride caused him to over-reach. Pride takes many forms, some more subtle than others, even disguising itself as modesty. But God recognizes it. The heart of pride is in opposition to God. Better to humble yourself than be humbled by God.