Daniel 4
From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles
Photo Courtesy |
My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.
My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose one of their brightest young men to serve me in my court. He calls himself Daniel, but I call him Belteshazzar
I had a scary dream. I asked Belteshazzar to tell me the meaning. He basically said God would punish me if I didn't ask forgiveness for my sins.
I figure I'm basically a good person. My great empire has done well so I must be doing a good job. Belteshazzar hasn't been wrong before. Maybe he misunderstood.
A year has past and nothing has happened to me. I guess I'm doing all right.
One morning I woke to a sweet scent in the air. I walked to the roof and breathed in the air. In the distance, I could see my empire. Everything looked good. Everything looked right. I said, "Isn't this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"
The words were still on my lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar--Your royal authority has been taken from you.
"You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cattle. Seven years will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."
Photo Courtesy |
At the end of the time, I, Nebuchadnezzar raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. I didn't pay attention to my looks, I immediately praised the Most High. I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Here is what I said:
"His dominion is an eternal dominion.
His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say to him, "What have you done?"
I didn't know what to expect from my royal advisors, but was really happy when they came looking for me. My honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.
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.
It is difficult to describe how I feel. I've been through quite a huge ordeal. One thing I do know, God is the one in charge, not me.
*********************************************************************************************
1. Nebuchadnezzar had a scary ____________
2. In one year's time did Nebuchadnezzar change?
3. What happened at the end of the one year?
4. What happened seven years later?
5. Who did Nebuchadnezzar said he would praise?
No comments:
Post a Comment