God Alone is the Ruler of This World

I believe the musical group Tears for Fears sung a song that boldly stated, "Everybody wants to rule the world".  In the heart of every human lies a desire to be the best, to rule over something or someone.  We see this desire manifest itself when Satan rebelled in heaven, wanting to be above God.  When Satan failed at his revolt, he planted the same idea in the mind of Eve, suggesting to her that she could be like God if she would make her own choices.  Someone has said that when we chooses to deny God's complete sovereignty in this world, then we are making ourselves sovereign.  It is no different for king Nebuchadnezzar, in Daniel 4.  This chapter opens up during Nebuchadnezzar's golden years of ruling over most of the world.  Even though there has been clear events in his life, proving that there is only one true and living God, Nebuchadnezzar cannot but help stroke his ego again, by giving himself all the praise for his kingdom rather than praising Jehovah God.  The wages of his god-complex is a reduction in mental capacity.  He becomes like a beast in the field.

Some time passes, and God has mercy on Nebuchadnezzar, and allows this animal-like king to regain his mind, and when he does, he breaks out into worship (4:34-37).  Just like the prodigal son who came to his senses, so too does Nebuchadnezzar, and rightly confesses his position before God.  He declares his weakness.  He declares God's sovereignty.  He acknowledges man's lowly position before God; and he confesses that God is both true and righteous.  Even after seeing what God did in the fierily furnace, Nebuchadnezzar was still guilty of placing himself above God.  If you and I are not careful, we may witness many of God's great miracles and His acts of mercy throughout our lives, and yet this does not immune us from being tempted to think we are our own boss, and give little thought to God's role in our lives.  When we keep a humble heart before God, and let Him rule completely in our lives, we can rest knowing that our lives will be less stressful than those who seek to be their own god.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.