February 16, 2023
And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: Daniel 4:34
What happened to King Nebuchadnezzar is astonishing. In a moment he fell from the highest position in the land and found himself at the bottom. Stripped of all power and ability to reason, the king was driven out of the city to live in the fields like a lowly beast. His life forever changed.
What could he do? How would he be restored? Some may have wondered if he would ever return.
For seven years Nebuchadnezzar remained in obscurity. His life shrouded in mystery. What did he do all day? Where did he sleep at night? During this time he roamed the fields as an animal, aimlessly rambling around the countryside with no purpose and powerless to change his poor condition.
The king would discover that his only hope was the LORD.
The Leader Needed Leading
There is no record of Nebuchadnezzar ever suffering a defeat on the battlefield. He led his armies to great victories and established Babylonia as the dominant kingdom in the known world. He was proud of these achievements.
But the mighty man discovered that he was unable to find his way out of this humiliating situation. He could lead soldiers into battle and workers through building programs but he failed to find a way out of his trouble. This great leader needed someone to lead him out of his misery.
Without a guide, one will certainly run into trouble. Nebuchadnezzar wandered for seven years and got nowhere.
The LORD alone was able to guide the king to safety. When Nebuchadnezzar looked to God he was restored. His sanity returned. The LORD led the proud king to the truth through humility.
There is no better guide than God. He is able to lead you through the tests, troubles, and temptations found in this world.
The Builder Required Strength
Before the LORD dealt with Nebuchadnezzar, the king enjoyed his prosperity from the comfort of his grand palace. The kingdom of Babylonia was secure and faced no immediate threat. The city of Babylon had been enlarged and beautified by the king’s great building endeavors. Babylon was a grand place filled with large temples and magnificent palaces. It also featured the famous Hanging Gardens, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.
King Nebuchadnezzar was proud of his works. He was the great builder. With his hands and plans he accomplished notable feats which remain impressive to this day. However, the architect found out that he was powerless to rid himself of his trouble. The great builder needed someone to give him strength to rise up.
Limitations. We all have them. Nobody has the strength to overcome all obstacles, including sin. To be victorious one must trust in the LORD’S power.
God had the strength Nebuchadnezzar required. After the humbled king lifted up his eyes to heaven he was restored. The LORD exalted the king.
God is mighty in works and deeds. He alone possesses power that enables you to overcome life’s greatest difficulties. God has power to save sinners and exalt the humble.
The Braggart Needed Help
The king was warned of his dangerous ways but instead of repenting to God of his sin he dwelt on his accomplishments. He recounted his great deeds and boasted of his grand building projects. Nebuchadnezzar was a conceited, arrogant, and proud man that basked in the glory of his triumphs. Right in the middle of his vain self-praise the LORD stripped him of all that he held dear.
The grand king no longer had a throne to sit upon. The magnificent builder was without a home to live in. The great braggart needed a helping hand.
King Nebuchadnezzar discovered that his great deeds were not so great after all. He looked to the LORD and found greatness in Him.
It is by God’s grace that we are anything at all. To boast of great deeds before Almighty God is foolish. Without the LORD men are hopeless, but with God all things are possible.
It took seven years to crack the proud king’s hard heart. Don’t wait that long. Look to God now for the help you need today, whether that be forgiveness of sin, strength for trials, wisdom for direction, or comfort during difficulties.