Human Pride Makes One Low
Daniel 4:34-37, "... I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion; and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."
If there is anything that we as people need to learn it is that God is the potter, and we are the clay. I'm not in control, He is in control. I'm not the boss, He is the boss. I'm not the provider, He is the provider. On and on we could go, describing who He is and who we are not. Our text is an example of the most powerful ruler on earth being made low, to live like an animal for seven years because of his pride. Yes, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a wild animal and was indeed abased by the King of heaven.
Nebuchadnezzar in his pride spoke, "... Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" (Dan. 4:30) He aspired to elevate himself, but he nor any other person is worthy to exalt himself. All glory and praise belong to God. Don't make yourself the center of the universe, you are headed for trouble if you do so. Make God the One who is worthy of praise, honor, and glory; make Him the One who is preeminent.
Don't tempt God through your pride. Live humbly before God, and He will impart His grace to you. "... God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6)
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. One of the many dangers of sin (including pride) is that we don’t know its consequences in our lives. What was the consequence of Nebuchadnezzar’s life?
2. Have you ever aspired to elevate yourself? How did that work out for you?
3. Compare how the sin of pride is the sin that most reflects Satan.
4. If you live with pride what is the promise of James 4:6? If you live in humility what is the promise?