Daniel 4:28-37 – Have the right perspective of God

Twelve months after Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream to him, everything happened as he had told the King. This duration of a year demonstrated God's grace to the King. H accorded him that duration to heed Daniel's counsel and repent. Obviously, he did not. 

One day, the King was on the rooftop of his royal palace and saw the grandeur of Babylon. Arrogantly, he took credit for its grandness and forgot all Daniel had told him. Despite knowing that God had granted him everything, he boasted. Musing to himself, he said, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my

majesty?" 

 

Almost immediately, he received a divine response. Hardly had his words trilled off, a voice from heaven spoke. Everything Daniel had foretold the King came to pass. He lost his position and "was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws."

 

True to Daniel's interpretation, the King's restoration began after seven years. It dawns on him that He is not in control; God is. His sanity returns as soon as he realizes that, and he looks toward God in heaven. Returning the glory to God, Nebuchadnezzar blesses and gives praise and honor to God Most High. Acknowledging God, he exclaimed:   

 

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,

But He does according to His

will in the host of heaven

And among the inhabitants of the earth; 

And no one can ward off His hand 

Or say to Him, 'What have You done?'

 

Nebuchadnezzar's perspective changed, and his kingdom and splendor were restored. When his official returned to serve him, his kingship was reestablished with surpassing greatness. He realized who deserved all the credit. So, he gave testimony saying, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He can humble those who walk in pride."

 

Never allow our God-granted privileges in life to lead us into pride and arrogance. We need to maintain a proper perspective of God and His sovereignty. Don't try to usurp what belongs to Him. We need to know that we cannot do without God. Apart from Him, we are nothing and can do nothing. All that we are and can potentially become comes from God. So, be wise stewards of God; this is our duty.