Daniel 4:34-35 NLT
“After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’”
Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity was restored when he recognized God as KING! His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.
We live in a democracy, and I get a vote in this country. But in the kingdom of God, I don’t get a vote. The King rules, and I submit. I’m not a peasant, though. I am part of the royal family.
To restore sanity, we submit to the King’s word – the Bible. I can like it or not, but I will do what the word says. You may wonder, “I’m not sure how I feel about this.” I get it, but if I did what I felt, I would likely not be a pastor today. I take my feelings and make them bow to the will of my King. I belong to the King. His edicts are final. I obey!
The late Tim Keller, one of the great Biblical minds of our day, said, “If your god never disagrees with you, you may just be worshiping an idealized version of yourself.”
Why on earth would we ever submit so completely to God? It is because His thoughts and ways are superior.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
As a loving father or mother knows what’s best for their young child, God knows best. He’s right every time. That’s why we trust and obey. This level of resolve is needed for us to live clear-minded in an insane environment. This is how Nebuchadnezzar had his sanity restored.
With that, we say goodbye to Nebuchadnezzar. But I believe we will see him again someday in heaven. God restored him because of Daniel’s influence. Never underestimate the saving power of God for anyone. Praise God!
Prayer
God, You are my Father! Jesus, You’re my King! It’s an honor to submit my life to You. Your word is my command. Your will be done in my life today, in Jesus’ name!