Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
King Nebuchadnezzar, an arrogant bastard was he. He was the same king that put Daniel in the den of lions and when morning came praised Daniel’s God for his safe keeping. Nebbie knew of God but it wasn’t enough.
Nebbie has a dream, it’s a terrifying one and Daniel explains it for him. The dream is a warning. Daniel pleads with the king to turn from his selfish, self-centered ways, but as all arrogant bastards believe, their way is the right way.
Twelve months later as he is looking out over his kingdom, Nebbie reflects, “ My kingdom is great which I myself have built…” While the words were still in the king’s mouth another voice was heard. “Time’s up! It’s time to experience field life until you realize that all you have comes from God.”
Immediately Nebbie’s dream came true, he was taken from the castle and out into the field with the animals. He eats grass, slept outdoors; his hair grew like a wild beasts and his nails like bird claws. Needless to say he wasn’t exactly his kingdom self.
Then as if in an instant, the light turned on. Nebbie raised his head to the sky, his reasoning comes back to him and he sees God for who he is.
Not everyone has to experience field life. You know it when you see it, it turns people into animals. It’s not meant as a punishment, rather a way to get their attention. Nebbie had a whole year to change his ways, and he choose not to. He acknowledged the God of Daniel, however God knew that wasn’t enough. Daniel’s God wanted to be Nebbie’s God. It takes a lot to get the attention of those who think they are God’s gift to the world. For some they must become animal like to understand how small they are in comparison to their maker.
Nebbie came out of this experience, praising, exalting and honoring God. He wasn’t broken, trembling or wounded from the experience. He comes out stronger than he was before. All of his ability, wisdom, and authority was now centered, not in himself but in God.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
He is the God who loves arrogant bastards enough to get their attention and make them kings!