- And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules. Daniel 4:26 – What a crazy story we read about here within this passage. A king losing his mind and going to live like a beast in the field for around seven years. Yet when he turned his eyes to God everything was restored to him. As we read the whole passage we see that God’s heart for the king was to turn it to Himself. God wanted Nebuchadnezzar to know it is Lord who rules and it’s the Lord who gives dominion to kings. He wanted the king to learn, not to be destroyed which is why we see in the dream this stump remaining. Yes the Lord was going to cut down the tree, but the stump was to remain to show He had still future plans for the king. Keep this in mind when we too find ourself in the “teaching” seasons of life, when God is shaping or redirecting us. He hasn’t just wiped us out, He is choosing to teach us and shape us. He still has plans for us and He still wants to use us. These seasons of being taught and reshaped are never easy but take the fact that you’re still here and in them as a sign that God still sees a great possible future in you and great things can be done through you. Seek to learn what He is showing you and continue to walk faithfully even when the season you’re in isn’t great. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1560
- 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. Daniel 4:36 – Could you ever imagine a scene like this chapter playing out in our day? Where a world leader loses their mind and for seven years is behaving like an ox out in the fields. Then they are restored in mind and restored back to power. Truly only God could have made all this unfold! With this restoring to power and glory for Nebuchadnezzar (Nebu), we see that God’s desires was not to simply bring him low and humiliate him. It was to bring Nebu to Himself. God gave Nebu dreams, interpreters of those dreams, the truths of God being spoken by Daniel, and even time to repent of His ways. Yet when Nebu still didn’t turn, God humbled Nebu in this unique way we read, not with the end all goal to humiliate, but to help Nebu understand his place when standing before God. We too may not understand why God does things in our life or in the lives of others. Those seven years must have been so confusing for the Babylonians. God though has His purpose, and the purpose is for all to see Him in the proper way. As sovereign, as Lord, as the sustainer to all life, and as the only means to eternal salvation in Heaven. Sometimes seasons of humility are given to help our eyes see God like we are supposed to. Let us then turn our eyes to God today and see Him like He declares Himself to be in His word. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2742
Daily DEVO 