Daniel Chapter Four recounts the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, the interpretation by Daniel, and the fulfillment thereof.
The messenger of God came to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream. He told the dream to Daniel, and Daniel interpreted it. He interpreted it faithfully even though he was greatly afraid because of the possible consequences.
In our focus verses, the king is literally patting himself on the back for all the accomplishments of his reign. He is ascribing all the power and glory to himself, not acknowledging that without the assent of God, none of this would have or could have happened.
The self-made man is created by an inferior workman.
When we fail to acknowledge God's power and might in our lives and put ourselves in the place of God, we have committed idolatry. Our God is a jealous God. He will not tolerate being ignored or cast aside. To do so leaves us open to the consequences of our actions.
If we choose to live without acknowledging God and His sovereignty, we are free to do so. But we will spend our lives and our eternities without Him as well. We are fortunate that He is a determined and persistent God who will use every means available to draw us unto Himself.
My sainted grandmother used to say "when God wants to let you know how small you are, He give you your own way." And when we are left to our own resources, we soon find our limitations.
God will be God. He is not willing that any should perish, but He gives us that option. That is the one place where God limits Himself. He will not override your free will. But oh, how foolish it is to use that free will to flout the King of Heaven!
Father, God,
Grant us the grace to see Your will in all our endeavors. Save us from the sin of arrogance, ignoring Your hand in our lives. Give us the wisdom to acknowledge You in all our ways.
When we fail to acknowledge God's power and might in our lives and put ourselves in the place of God, we have committed idolatry. Our God is a jealous God. He will not tolerate being ignored or cast aside. To do so leaves us open to the consequences of our actions.
If we choose to live without acknowledging God and His sovereignty, we are free to do so. But we will spend our lives and our eternities without Him as well. We are fortunate that He is a determined and persistent God who will use every means available to draw us unto Himself.
My sainted grandmother used to say "when God wants to let you know how small you are, He give you your own way." And when we are left to our own resources, we soon find our limitations.
God will be God. He is not willing that any should perish, but He gives us that option. That is the one place where God limits Himself. He will not override your free will. But oh, how foolish it is to use that free will to flout the King of Heaven!
Father, God,
Grant us the grace to see Your will in all our endeavors. Save us from the sin of arrogance, ignoring Your hand in our lives. Give us the wisdom to acknowledge You in all our ways.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
1 comment:
God has humbled me more times than I can count.
Blessings, andrea
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