I sure do get carried away reading the stories in the Old Testament. Since I was reading about Daniel yesterday, I decided to go back to the beginning and read the entire story, how the Jews were taken captive and the fine men were turned into eunuchs and primed to serve the king. About the favor that God bestowed on Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. About the image that King Nebuchadnezzar erected and had everyone bow to and worship but the 3 refused and were tossed into the furnace. How with great boldness and confidence, they declared that ‘Our God is well able to deliver us,” and He did. Yet after all of this, King Nebuchadnezzar just didn’t get it. He was so proud and arrogant that he refused to honor God, so God took his kingdom from him for 7 years and he ate the grass in the field and became an animal.
The coolest part ever was when the 7 years were over; Chapter 4:35-37
And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding 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 is from generation to generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing;
He does according to His will in the army of heaven
And among the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can restrain 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 honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.
Seriously! Right in the field he goes from eating grass to giving honor to God. There are some of us who have made our own way, have our own success and refuse to give honor to God, but in the words of the long gone king of Babylon, “And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” It’s time we gave honor to whom honor is due. All glory to the King of kings and Lord of lords. The only way I am anything is because God has given it to me. The only way I’m successful in what I put my hand to is because God has given me success. Everything I have belongs to Him. Everything I am belongs to Him.
Father, I humble myself before you knowing that in my weakness, you are made strong. In my humility, you are exalted. I don’t want accolades or gifts, they all belong to you. If you position me in a place of authority, I will look to you who is the Author and finisher of my faith. I recognize that there is no one greater or more lovely than You, oh God. This offering that I bring to you this morning, it is so small among such lavishiehnsss in your throne room, yet you treasure these small tokens of love just as a mother when her children bring her wildflowers. You find the beauty in such devotion. So many treasure boxes to hold these whispers of love. May you always find me here with you, offering myself. It’s from my deepest and most heartfelt worship I ask this, Amen.
remnantposts by sandy gregory 