Those Who Walk in Pride

This is another REAP. See “As the Deer” for an introduction. Today I’m reading Daniel 4:34–37.

Read:

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, 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, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Examine:

For a bit of context: Daniel interprets king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, telling him that God intends to drive him insane, into the wilderness, “until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” A year later Nebuchadnezzar remarks to someone from the roof of his palace, “is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” Just then, a voice comes from heaven, repeating Daniel’s warning, and the king loses his mind and his madness drives him to the wilderness.

In 34–37, Nebuchadnezzar comes back to his senses and immediately praises and renders honor to God. From one king to another, he remarks of God’s dominion that it is everlasting, and that no one can check His power: He does as he pleases from earth all the way to heaven. Nebuchadnezzar regains his kingdom and becomes even greater still. A king again, Nebuchadnezzar commits to praising and extolling the King of heaven, God, because God does the right things, and has the power to humble the prideful.

Apply:

As is often the case, I prefer to learn from someone else’s humiliation rather than await my own. If Nebuchadnezzar, who was king of Babylon and much of the world that he knew of, felt compelled to give honor to God and admire His kingdom, I should follow suit, and bow myself even lower. I have a minuscule speck of a kingdom, yet apparently I still have sufficient pride to forget to pay homage to God. It’s not always obvious how much higher I regard myself and my kingdom, but thinking back there have been many times I had the weird feeling I was bragging about myself or manipulating words to cast myself in a good light. I can’t remember a time when I wondered whether I was making too big a deal out of God. I can remember the excitement I felt about my achievements and abilities, but I can’t remember much of that same kind of excitement for God’s achievements.

I’m not greater than king Nebuchadnezzar, so now I, a nobody, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Pray:

God, I pray that I would not require madness and humiliation to humble me. I’ve studied your works and your words, and I know of your greatness. It’s nonsense for me to spend time praising myself (equipped only with the gifts you deigned to give me) and neglect You, the only everlasting King. But I do, and we both know it. Father, remind me of Nebuchadnezzar, of his greatness, fall, and humility before you. But God, mostly remind me of you, because your greatness surpasses any other king, and it’s your greatness that humbled Nebuchadnezzar. Humble me too, father, and if possible do it gently. Your kingdom is forever and that is as it should be, because you are the only wise and perfect king. Please accept my offerings of praise, and thank you for giving me an audience with you. Help me not to act inappropriately in light of your presence, embarrassing myself with boasting.