September 3rd~Chopped

1 Chronicles 8:29-9:1a

Daniel 4:1-37


Ezekiel 40:1-37

Ezekiel was given an incredible vision of the end times (40-48), which is the pinnacle of his prophecies. Scholars believe these prophecies describe details of the Millennial Reign of Christ, that 1000-year period of peace after the Lord has defeated His enemies and established His kingdom on earth. A messenger from heaven gave Ezekiel a tour of the future Temple in the new Jerusalem, even providing him with exact measurements of walls, gates, rooms, courtyards, etc. Of course, this Temple will be symbolic only, as Christ has already dealt with sin.

However, our reading today was dominated by a letter written by King Nebuchadnezzar. The letter was sent to “the people of every nation and language throughout the world” (Daniel 4:1). It recounted a terrible yet terrific experience in his life. “I want you to know about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me” (v.2). What happened?

The Lord gave the King another frightening dream, which Daniel was able to interpret. The dream was of a giant tree, a symbol of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. The tree provided shelter and food for all the people of the earth. However, the tree was chopped down and reduced to a stump. After seven years, the tree was allowed to grow back to its former glory.

Daniel explained the dream as a warning from God to Nebuchadnezzar. Because of his great accomplishments, particularly in regards to the city of Babylon and his mighty kingdom, he had exalted himself too highly. As a reminder that it is the God of heaven who reigns supreme and bestows kingdoms on whomever He wishes, the Lord reduced Nebuchadnezzar to a raving lunatic for seven years, forcing him to live away from society. He thought more like an animal, eating grass like a cow and living in the open field.

It took seven years for Nebuchadnezzar to renounce his pride, “look up to heaven,” and submit himself to God. His sanity returned and he was restored to his former greatness. God had, indeed, gotten his attention. He now “praised and glorified and honored the King of Heaven, for all His acts are just and true, and He is able to humble those who are proud” (v.37).

Daily Reflection

“Humility,” wrote Noah Webster, “is freedom from pride or arrogance, a modest estimate of one’s own worth.” How exactly are we to estimate our worth? Webster continued, “It is a lowliness of mind, a deep sense of one’s unworthiness in the sight of God” (1828 Dictionary). Nebuchadnezzar wrote, “God’s rule is everlasting; His kingdom is eternal. The people of earth are nothing compared to Him” (v.35).

How does comparing yourself to God help to develop humility in you?

How can you make this a daily practice in your life, developing the quality of humility?

Nebuchadnezzar had to be “chopped down” before he developed humility. If necessary, for your own benefit, the Lord will reduce you to “a stump.” Humble yourself before the Lord, or He will do it for you.

BiAY.org | Day 246 — 119 Days to Go