Acknowledging That Heaven Rules

"The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules."

Daniel 4:26

The Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, had this dream that Daniel interprets (Daniel 4).  It’s an amazing dream and interpretation with significant ramifications.  It’s all about the king’s heart, which was very prone to arrogance because of the kingdom he had built.  Nebuchadnezzar was prone to arrogance because he was the king!  Who, if anyone, was like him?

Daniel interprets the dream and applies it to King Nebuchadnezzar’s life:

"Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

Daniel 4:27

A year later the king is marveling at his kingdom when the Voice of Heaven issues judgment against him.  Nebuchadnezzar goes mad, is driven away from people and eats grass like cattle.

"Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

Daniel 4:32

Notice what the king does! (Verse 34)  He raises his eyes toward Heaven and praised the Most High God.  He honors and glorifies the King of Heaven.  Before there was no one higher than him… no one to look up to.  This was the evidence of his arrogant heart.  Now he raises his sights to the One who is higher than he is… the One who places and displaces kings.

"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

Daniel 4:37

Holy Father, You are awesome and great – there is no one like You.  You are the only God and I honor You today.  Thank You for Your powerful Word, Your Spirit that energizes that Word and lives in me.  Thank You that today I can live as your son, loved and forgiven of all my arrogance.  All You do is right and all Your ways are just.  Have Your way with me this day.