A Lesson in Humility

Nebuchadnezzar was the mighty king of the Babylonian Empire between 604 and 562 BC. Numerous cuneiform tablets and ancient texts speak of his wondrous achievements and prideful character. “Look at this, Babylon the great! And I built it all by myself, a royal palace adequate to display my honor and glory.” Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his immense wealth and powerful warriors: he had no room for God in his kingdom. However, late in his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had a wake-up call. Overnight, he went from mighty king to wandering madman, as he was stricken with a psycho-mania that caused him to act like an animal. He grew long hair and nails, roaming about the countryside grazing on grass. Seven years into his malady, Nebuchadnezzar returned to his senses and immediately realized his lifelong mistake. A once godless ruler was now a God-fearing man. In fact, his own story was recorded in the ancient texts of the prophet Daniel, who was living as a captive in Babylon: “I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying him who lives forever. At the same time, I was also given back my majesty and splendor; he made my kingdom shine. All the leaders and important people came looking for me. I was reestablished as king in my kingdom and became greater than ever. And that’s why I’m singing – I, Nebuchadnezzar – singing and praising the King of Heaven: everything he does is right, and he does it the right way. He knows how to turn a proud person into a humble man.” Nebuchadnezzar was a mighty king, ruling a vast kingdom. By the world’s standards, he was the most powerful man of his day. However, through a season of humbling, Nebuchadnezzar came to recognize that God is a far mightier king, ruling a kingdom that is everlasting.

Church Leaders Intelligence Report Enclosed: 05.21.08
Randall Niles Think Blast, Vol. 5:67