By Pastor Chris Wall

Nebuchadnezzar was a man that had a problem that is not all that uncommon amongst most of us; namely, that he was extremely full of himself. We may try and deny this, but if we are honest about ourselves, we often are.

Chris Wall

Daniel 4:30- “The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?””

Notice the pronouns that are used: they all point to his own glory and majesty. There was no concern for praise and honor being given to the Lord. One of the great errors that people make when they think about the plans and purposes of God is that they are often under the impression that God is in heaven acting in accordance with their plans and desires. This could not be more inaccurate.

In reality, God is in heaven doing everything in accordance to His own sovereign will as He pleases (Ps. 115:3). Nebuchadnezzar was going to learn this fact that hard way. In the text we learn that—just as God had said would happen in the previous chapter—that Nebuchadnezzar literally began to have the mind of a beast. The Bible tells us that his hair grew out like eagle’s feathers and his nails like that of a bird’s claws… this is quite a sight!

There was a purpose in this; the purpose is that Nebuchadnezzar may learn who the Most High is and that He is the Ruler of men. He was going to learn that God does just as He says. Most people live their lives acting as though God will not do what He says, but the Bible makes it clear that God will do exactly as He has said that He will (Num. 23:19).

We, too, must come to the place that we realize that we have nothing in ourselves that we may boast. We could not take our next breath were it not for the grace of God; therefore, we should live each moment with praise and adoration towards Him. May we all be humbled as we consider the greatness and grace of God.

Chris Wall is pastor of Mesquite Baptist Church, 742 W. Pioneer Blvd., Suite A. Sunday worship is at 10:30. We can also be found on Facebook and our website: mesquitebaptistchurch.com