(Based on Daniel Zine Chapter 4: Watch Out!)
Dear Grown-ups,
I want you to think for a moment about King Nebuchadnezzar from the book of Daniel. If we are honest with ourselves, what are the things we remember most about this man who ruled Babylon six centuries before Christ was born: Arrogant? Narcissistic? Overly emotional? A harsh king who throws people into fire if they don’t agree with him? Yeah, me too…
What definitely does not pop into my mind (or even seem possible or accurate) are the last words that we hear from King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel:
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” —Daniel 4:37
He speaks these words from personal experience. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to see the truth about who we are and who God is. In Nebuchadnezzar’s case, he went from being one of the most powerful kings on earth to being like the wild animals, living out in a field and losing all sanity. I cannot imagine looking outside to see the king eating grass with the cattle. The conclusion would naturally be, “The king is lost! He’s as good as dead!”
But what we learn from this story is that no one is too far gone for God to redeem…King Nebuchadnezzar says in his own words:
Not only does Nebuchadnezzar not resent God for giving him such a punishment, but he honors and glorifies God because he realizes the truth: God is God and he is not. God does not allow this great king’s pride to have the last word. Instead he puts his pride to death so that he can be raised to new life. God restores him as king, even after all of that. And King Nebuchadnezzar does not try to hide his humiliation but instead puts it on display. It is interesting that this chapter is the only one that is narrated by King Nebuchadnezzar himself. He broadcasts the most humiliating moment of his life because it is his salvation. God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
In the same way, Christians do not try to hide the humiliation of our king. The cross is lifted high. When Jesus rises from the dead, he does not hide his scars but displays them for all to see. Because his death and resurrection means salvation for all: past, present, and future… even the most unlikely people like King Nebuchadnezzar… and you and me.
Written by Juliette Alley
