His life had been filled with opportunities to learn responsibility, gain the understanding of divine authority, and grasp the will of God. Yet… he neglected to make use of the means that were within his reach.
Read MoreThough King Nebuchadnezzar had experienced a calamity, the outcome was a miracle of transformation instead of a tragedy of stubborn unwillingness to be transformed. Once proud and egotistical, the ruler of the Babylonian empire had become a humble child of God.
Read MoreThe exact timing of Nebuchadnezzar’s mental breakdown was not foretold, yet there is no mistaking that God places a limit on wickedness. In the king’s case, when that limit was reached, the prophesied calamity fell like a sledgehammer.
Read MoreNebuchadnezzar forfeited the year-long opportunity to profit from the warning that he had been graciously given in vision by God and confirmed by Daniel’s plain interpretation. He also passively pushed aside Daniel’s excellent counsel, defaulting into nurturing the pride within his selfish heart until it reached a fever pitch, beyond which God could not allow it to continue.
Read MoreDaniel’s advice, for a brief time—perhaps a few weeks or months—left a strong impression upon Nebuchadnezzar. But the resistant heart that wills against being transformed by God’s grace soon loses the gentle impressions of the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreBeloved, the LORD has many lessons for us that do not have to be learned “the hard way”. Many of the hardships that we suffer are self-inflicted and entirely avoidable! God’s word is a character-molding library of priceless lessons, all given in love.
Read MoreThe visions of this dream given to King Nebuchadnezzar were only that—visions—at the time. They were graciously given as a warning against continuing in disregard of the Most High.
Read MoreAt the very time when the king feels the most self-complacent, Almighty God is sending this dream that troubles him with fear and forebodings. The external splendor and glory that seemed to afford security and prosperity to the far-reaches of the empire—with abundant fruit and food for all—was not the true security that it appeared to be.
Read MoreThere is another tree, the tree of life, that existed in the Garden of Eden. The great news about this most amazing tree is that it still exists in the heavenly Jerusalem. It is a literal tree that symbolizes life and the Source of life.
Read MoreRedemptive judgments that come into the lives of people is proof of the loving involvement of the infinitely great God of heaven. It is proof of His compassion and desire for our salvation. It proves that the work of the Redeemer is active. It testifies of the hope that He carries in his heart for every person alive.
Read MoreHaving often faced the perils of battle and the terrible sights of slaughter and carnage, there were no military threats at this point to darken the clouds on any of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian horizons.
Read MoreIn order to gain the traits of character that accompany citizenship in the everlasting kingdom, we must conquer and defeat undesirable traits here and now.
Read MoreMany Christians are eager to proclaim what God has done for them in the way of blessings and benefits. But shouldn’t we also stand in readiness to share how He has shaped and benefitted us by way of chastisements?
Read MoreThe world’s current events show that it is sinking fast into its final season of rebellion against God. This sad development is accompanied by a universal call to every individual for a lively faith that will not falter. God is calling His children to manifest a faith that joyfully conforms to His will in every respect.
Read MoreToday we find a profound prophetic element in King Nebuchadnezzar’s public announcement. It is set against his sincere exaltation of God for the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. But this correct proclamation is immediately followed by something that is altogether wrong.
Read MoreThese recent years of exemplary service, as they humbly lived out the principles of righteousness, placed the God of the Hebrews in a conspicuous and exalted light. No human could have orchestrated the final outcome of that day on the plain of Dura…
Read MoreOne does not have to be highly educated to possess discernment between the real and the counterfeit; just a willingness to get to know God and spend time with Him as a friend… listening, praying, and studying His “love letters” to us. Such precious time…in the presence of God!
Read MoreIn the years leading up to this event, through the witness of Daniel and his three faithful friends, the Babylonians had been given an idea of Christ, the Redeemer to come. They were personable and approachable. They were ever ready to give the reason for their faith when asked. The principles of righteousness were evident in their lives, and it was no secret that they supremely loved and worshiped God.
Read MoreBy order of a mere man, even though a king, God’s most faithful representatives at this Babylonian gathering were subjected to a severe form of capital punishment.
Read MoreThough he was the ruler of the known world, no amount of military genius, statesmanship, or intellect made Nebuchadnezzar equal to the difficult task of ruling his own person.
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