December 22 | Daniel 4:28-37

by Kim Starr

Do you remember your dreams? I rarely do, and if I do, they are often strange and incomprehensible to me. That is the way King Nebuchadnezzar's dream was. To understand the passage for today, we need to look at the whole chapter of Daniel 4. Nebuchadnezzar has had a second dream that alarmed him. He called all the wise men of Babylon, the magicians, the enchanters, the astrologers, and the Chaldeans to him to interpret the dream; however, none of them could. At last, Daniel came to him and interpreted the dream. The verses we read today are the dream being fulfilled.

King Nebuchadnezzar had built a tremendous kingdom, and he was full of himself and his glory. But as his dream was being fulfilled, King Nebuchadnezzar was driven from his kingdom and lived like an animal. At some point, Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven and God restored his reason, majesty, and splendor. When that happened, Nebuchadnezzar blessed, praised, and honored God. God then re-establishes Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and gave him even more greatness. What was Nebuchadnezzar's response? He praised, extolled, and honored God and proclaimed, "for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble." (verse 37)

Like Nebuchadnezzar, we can learn that God is the Ruler of all, he is in control, and he can give power and supremacy to anyone. God humbled Nebuchadnezzar, and he can humble us. Nebuchadnezzar realized he was walking in pride. He was taking credit for all that he had done to make Babylon and himself great. He learned quickly that God could take all of that away from him, and so can we. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus tells us that, "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

When the greatness of God is impressed upon us, like it was to Nebuchadnezzar, how should we respond? Thank God for everything and realize he is in control. We are to be humble and not take credit for anything. Instead, we are to do God's will, honor him with our lives, and seek his approval in all things. And, above all, we are to love him with all of our heart, soul and mind.

Oh Lord, we are so thankful for the lessons you teach us. Help us be mindful that we owe everything to you. We, on our own, have done nothing. Help us be humble and give you the thanks, praise, and glory. Without you, we are nothing. Amen.