Lots of new people have been joining us for this Advent series on “Thanking Jesus.” Some may already believe in Jesus, but others may not. Today we look at a man who had no faith in God – indeed, the man demanded that others worship him as a god.
Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of Babylon. One day he looked all around his kingdom and his heart swelled with pride. Then he had a terrifying nightmare. Once again he called on Daniel to interpret it. With great fear, Daniel explained that, according to the dream, if the Nebuchadnezzar did not humble himself, the king would go mad for a period of time, eating grass in the field like the cattle, until the king acknowledged that the Lord was ruler over all. Daniel begged the king to change his ways.
Nebuchadnezzar ignored that warning and boasted, “I, by my own mighty power, have built this beautiful city.” And immediately he went mad. Months went by until at last the king sought God. In Daniel 4:34-37, the ruler spoke with a heart of gratitude, “My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. . . . Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All His acts are just and true, and he is able to humble those who are proud.”
Nowhere else in the entire Bible do we have a whole chapter devoted to the first-person testimony of a non-Jew! King Nebuchadnezzar at last learned to give thanks to God.
Do you know someone who has not acknowledged the Lord’s power and authority? Why not pause today and pray that your friend will learn to give thanks and praise the one true God even as Nebuchadnezzar did?
