Falling Hard: A Lesson in Humility
One week, I talked with someone about Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, which could be a fitting title for chapter 4 of Daniel. Proverbs 16:18 states that “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall”, for which this narrative is a prime example. Despite previous examples of God’s sovereignty (https://robert-a-l-blake.com/god-delivers-us/), Nebuchadnezzar apparently needed another lesson in humility. He had twice previously confessed the God of heaven as the God of gods (Daniel 2:47; Daniel 3:28-29), but still appeared to be unconvinced. It reminds me of Peter and his denial of Christ (Mark 14:29, 66-72) and his subsequent acceptance of Christ’s commission (John 21:15-19).
A Lesson in Humility
God presented Nebuchadnezzar with his third and final lesson in humility. Not only was he forewarned in a dream, as in a previous chapter (Daniel 2), but he stumbled down the same unyielding path as before by requesting help from so-called wise men. After Daniel pointed him in the right direction, along with an admonition of warning, he took the final plunge. The most powerful man on earth then lived as a beast in the field for seven years. True to the prophecy, however, he finally lifted his eyes to heaven and acknowledged the God of Heaven (Daniel 4:37).
Did it take all of that to erase pride? Obviously it did. The Bible also states that they wrote these things as examples (1 Corinthians 10:11). For whom? For us! Nebuchadnezzar needed three experiences of a lesson in humility to recognize the true source of his wealth and power. Some of us may require more or less.
We serve a merciful and gracious God. He longs for our success. Sometimes we get ahead of Him and forget the Source of our blessings. He allows us to experience lessons of humility, but still extends grace and mercy.
Prayer
Loving Lord, thank You for patiently teaching us to trust in You. When we fall, You pick us up. You never give up on us. A lesson in humility is just another evidence of Your love and desire for us to be more like You. Thank you for Your grace and mercy. Amen.
I pray this post has blessed you. Please like, comment, share, and subscribe. Please contact me via the platform where you read this post to have a more in-depth study of the book of Daniel and end-time prophecies.
God Delivers Us
Daniel is curiously absent in the narrative for chapter 3. We can safely assume that he was not there and definitely did not bow. What is concerning, however, is that we can safely assume that there were others of their nationality present who bowed. So that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah did not bow poses even greater significance to the story. Not only did they stand up and stand out among those that didn’t believe in God the Creator but also among their peers, which is often much harder to do. To do what is right among those that know it is right, but still choose to do wrong, takes courage. Unfortunately, however, it is our peer group who often gives us a bad name or even sells us out! Things have not changed, still God delivers us.
God Delivers Us
As the drama unfolds past the building of the immense statue, obviously King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the “head of gold” to exist in perpetuity. He seems to have forgotten the “stone kingdom” portion of the dream. The three young men find themselves face to face with the king for testing again. The king presented the challenge to them, yet they did not waver. In response to so-called options, they retorted in uncompromising fashion. The English Standard Version renders it this way in verse 17: “If this be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” At first read, the word “if” seems to pose an element of doubt or capitulation.
Given the context of their previously displayed faith (Daniel chapter 1, https://robert-a-l-blake.com/dream-of-the-king/), I believe it is appropriate to substitute the words “since” or “because” in place of the conditional word “if”. Based on their follow-up statement in verse 18—“but if not”, the condition did not implicate God’s existence or power. Instead, it reflected on His willingness to rescue them. We find the latter to be true, as not only does God allow them to be cast into the furnace, but joins them there! We read the king’s response to this climactic close to the chapter (Daniel 3:24-30), but one can only imagine the impression this made on their fellow countrymen.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, help us stand for You at all times, no matter who is looking or compromising their beliefs. Keep us faithful to You, knowing that if we stand up for You, that You will stand up for and deliver us. In Jesus’ wonderful name we pray, amen.”
I pray this post has blessed you. Please like, comment, share, and subscribe!
