Against the Flow: Holiness in a Hostile WorldSample

Day 8: Knowing Our Place Before God

No one likes to be told they are wrong. It is even worse when the other person turns out to be right. Many times, our refusal to heed godly advice stems from our pride. Innately, we want to think we know best and can make the right decisions for ourselves. But as the saying goes, “pride comes before a fall”. Pride can lead us to disastrous consequences, and it was pride that led to Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall in Daniel 4.

Daniel 4 was set at a time when the Babylonian kingdom was stable and successful. Once again, Nebuchadnezzar had a strange dream that only Daniel could interpret. In Daniel’s interpretation of the dream, the large and strong tree represented Nebuchadnezzar, who provided protection and sustenance for the people in his vast kingdom. However, Nebuchadnezzar will be the subject of coming judgement unless he humbled himself before God (v27).

The warning from the dream was clear. Though Nebuchadnezzar had contributed much to the greatness of the Babylonian empire, he must not think he is as great as God. As the story unfolds, we see how even after twelve months, Daniel’s warnings fell on deaf ears. Nebuchadnezzar was blinded by his own power and accomplishments and his pride led him to make unthinkable claims of himself (v30). As a result, he was judged severely. He was driven away and became like a beast (v33). His restoration only came when he looked to heaven and gave God the glory and honour He deserved (v34).

Even as God had the ability to humble the enemy of His people, we must also guard ourselves from pride that can infect our own lives. We are not immune from thinking that our successes in life are solely the result of our hard work or abilities. We can also be tempted to think too highly of ourselves. Sometimes, God will even humble us so we can have the right perspective of who we are and who He is.

Through this narrative, we see the utter humiliation of a King who was puffed up. We also see the almost “too easy” solution of humbling oneself before God for restoration. It is a powerful reminder of the price of pride and carries hope that God’s mercy extends to anyone who chooses to abide in Him and remembers his place before Him.

Prayer points:

• Are there areas in your life where you tend to think very highly of yourself? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any pride in you.
• If God is speaking to you about an issue of pride in your life, go before Him in repentance and humility. Pray that you will receive His grace and mercy and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out.