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CONTEXT: King Nebuchadnezzar's dream is fulfilled. He becomes insane for a period of time, but God provides a path to redemption.

What comes to mind when you hear the word discipline? Punishment? Consequences? Anger? Disappointment?

Whether a child by a parent, a student by a teacher, or an employee by a boss - No one likes to be disciplined. It can be humiliating, embarrassing, and sometimes even painful. God uses discipline to help us. That might sound harsh. Isn’t there a more kind, gentle, and loving way to teach us to depend on Him? Yes. But as we’ve seen with King Nebuchadnezzar, our stubbornness and pride sometimes prevent that from being effective.

Daniel warned the king God’s discipline could be avoided, but he didn’t listen. As promised, God gave the king a year to submit to his authority, but he refused. He attributed Babylon’s power, wealth, and might to his own human ability as king, taking all the glory for himself. His stubbornness forced God to discipline him. The king became insane. He lived in the wilderness, eating grass like cattle. His hair grew long like eagle feathers, and his nails became like claws. That’s a pretty drastic way to get someone’s attention. But God will do drastic things to draw us back to Himself.

God desired a relationship with King Nebuchadnezzar. He longed for him to humble himself and allow God to be the Lord of his life, so he provided a pathway for forgiveness and redemption. Ironically, it was the same pathway as before: humble confession + acknowledgment of God as Lord.

God doesn’t discipline us because He’s mad at us. God is a loving Father who patiently waits for us. He doesn’t want anyone to miss out on eternity with Him. He deeply desires a relationship with us. So much so that He’s willing to do what it takes to get our attention and draw our hearts to Him.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Consider a time when you were disciplined. Looking back, can you see how God might have used that experience to refine your character?

2. Have you ever felt too ashamed or unworthy to receive God’s forgiveness and redemption? Take some time today to allow the truth that God’s love covers every sin to encourage and comfort you.

3. Write a prayer asking God to help you identify areas of your heart and character that need to submit to His authority and the humility to let Him transform those places.