The Lost Year - Pt. 5

 

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just. (Daniel 4:34-37 ESV).

 

Our reading is unique in that it is a letter or proclamation from the Babylonian ruler, Nebuchadnezzar. He recounts here how Daniel came and interpreted a troubling dream that was given to the king. Daniel foretold that God would judge Nebuchadnezzar and not only drive him into the wilderness, but drive him mad. He would be like an animal: he would eat grass and be exposed to the elements for a period of seven months or seven years. I'm sure he was quite a sight to behold. And here we find ourselves at the end of King Nebuchadnezzar's days as a royal wild man (v. 34). He went from the mightiest of kings to a beast of the fields. It reminds me of the declaration at the death of Saul: “Oh how the mighty have fallen (2 Samuel 1:25).  

 

It does feel like this past year has been “out of control” in many ways, both in our personal lives as well as globally. However, the Scripture teaches a far different truth. The world is never “out of control.” God is still in control and will never relinquish His control. That is the comfort we can find in our lost year. God is on His throne. God is the King. He is the "King of Kings"! But don't take my word for it. Let's consider more carefully what Nebuchadnezzar himself has told us here about God's kingship and kingdom.

 

The same God who reigned over the creation of the universe is the same God who reigned over Israel, is the same God who reigned over the early church, is the same God who is ruling now. There are no "term limits" when it comes to God. We needn’t concern ourselves with election and their results in regard to who is the ultimate ruler. Isn't that comforting to know, in this world of quicksand, in this world of shifting shadows, isn't it comforting to know that God's reign as King is an unchanging constant? And, His rule will forever bring peace and joy!