“I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal... He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him…” Daniel 4:34-35.
Lord Jesus, the story contained in these verses comes to us as a mercy-bomb, grace-lift, sanity-maker. You “leveled” a proud King Nebuchadnezzar, convincing him—and reminding us—that there’s only one everlasting King (you) and one eternal Kingdom (yours). Since grace runs downhill, that’s always the best posture to take—not just for a pagan ruler, but also for us, your beloved people.
Jesus, early in this US election year, we need to take these words to heart. You are already the ruler of the kings of the earth—seated and sovereign over heaven’s angels and earth’s everything, You turned Nebuchadnezzar’s lions into purring kitties. And his 7-fold hot flames became like 7 flickering battery-operated candles, to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
You do as you please—not as you hope with fingers crossed. In fact, you don’t “try” to do anything, Jesus. You just “do” whatever you’ve planned in eternity—whenever and wherever you desire. Nothing has been left to chance; everything has been left to you.
The main storyline in eternity, God’s heart, and the Bible celebrates (1), your commitment to fully save and deeply love your every-nation bride, and (2), to make all things new and fill the entire earth with your glory. Hallelujah, and thank you.
Jesus, turn our whimpering into worship, our fears into faith, and our sweaty palms into joyful hands lifted to you in praise and adoration. Stoke the flames of our heart-furnace to burn with 7-fold passion for you, and servant-love for our neighbors and the nations. So Very Amen.