FROM THE PULPIT: FOUR LESSONS LEARNED THAT APPLY TODAY

(Daniel 4:28-37)

In our lesson today, we observe the Lord of Glory showing at least four things to a king called Nebuchadnezzar. However, these truths are ever applicable to any to whom God will reveal Himself to in Salvation.

1. He learned the Majesty, Greatness and Sovereignty of God. (vs. 34)

Once any sinner sees the holiness and supreme right of God he does exactly as this man did; He praised and honored Him who lives forever. We no longer debate about our supposed free will, we no longer challenge the word of grace we simply own up to the fact that God is in the heavens and can do what ever HE WILLS (Is. 45 & 46). Notice the words of our text carefully' "Most High Ruleth, Whomsoever He Will, Dominion, Kingdom". These are words chosen by God Himself, written in the book about Himself to define Himself. Here also is proper worship: creature acknowledging total Lordship of the Creator. This king said that "his understanding returned unto himself", truly such is the case when God does a work in a sinner, they give all glory due unto Him who gave His life a ransom for many. (Is. 53:11,12)

2. He learned that Man is nothing (vs. 35)

"All the inhabitants of the earth ..." Not the poor, the rich, the weak, the wicked, but all together; the scriptures are so very clear about this teaching. I'm not saying that there are not good people humanly speaking, but spiritually speaking, we are all as an unclean thing in the eyes of a Thrice Holy God. The word "reputed" means accounted as nothing. When God looks down from Heaven He sees none that seek Him or understand Him (Ps. 14, Rom. 3). We in and of ourselves can not do what it takes to please God's justice and cover our own sin, thus the scheme to rescue fallen man was performed by Jesus Christ and His almighty Grace.

3. He learned that the will of god is unchangeable and shall be done (vs. 35)

We may argue about your will, my will or whomsoever will, but the plain teaching of this passage as we as all the word of God shows us that it is God's will that shall be done and His purpose will be accomplished. (Rom. 9:17, John 17:12, Acts 4:27-28). The believer absolutely wants things that way, we know how variable and inconsistent we are, and we desire someone who "changes not" and is for us and not against us. One who keeps His promises and shall fail not. If you ever get a hold of this truth as it is in Christ Jesus you will have that peace that passes all understanding.

4. Lastly, He learned that those who walk in pride the Lord will abase (vs. 37)

Over and over against scripture we see God dealing a deathblow to the proud of heart. He will break the proud of none can enter Heaven unless God does something for them and in doing something for them He does a humbling work of grace upon the heart (Ez. 36). These teachings of the work of grace are not an option for eternal life they are a must and every child of God will be brought to see these things and experience them in the soul. Today's views of God are nothing short of ridiculous and as far from the truth of the word of God as Nebuchadnezzar's previous false thoughts were. May it please god to show mercy and abundant grace upon sinners such as us.