Daniel: Courage and Conviction – Tom Fisk – Daniel 4:9-36

“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honoured and glorified Him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: “What have you done?”” (Daniel 4:34)

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but he knew that this was no mere dream. It was a message from God and a message that should have been heeded. Daniel even made it clear that he wished for him to repent to keep his fortune. Nebuchadnezzar was not able to do that and described his own glory and his own majesty. God did not take kindly to this. God warned Nebuchadnezzar what would happen and Nebuchadnezzar lived among the animals without his wits just as he was warned by God. Only when he looked at the kingdom and saw God’s authority did he regain what he’d lost.

What does that mean for us today? Well it means that we have a God who talks to us, who wants us to listen. It means that we are subjects to a higher authority and all the glory needs to go to Him. It means that we must remember who those achievements in life come from and say less of me, more of Him.

God is merciful and leaves us with hope once we recognise His authority. Be blessed that He isn’t distant but leaves a stump of hope so that we can grow again, but only from His watering.