URC Daily Devotion 27 August 2024
Daniel 4: 34 – 37
When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me.
I blessed the Most High,
and praised and honoured the one who lives for ever.
For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty,
and his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does what he wills with the host of heaven
and the inhabitants of the earth.
There is no one who can stay his hand
or say to him, ‘What are you doing?’
At that time my reason returned to me; and my majesty and splendour were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom. My counsellors and my lords sought me out, I was re-established over my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
for all his works are truth,
and his ways are justice;
and he is able to bring low
those who walk in pride.
Reflection
What is the cost of following your own dreams and desires? Nebuchadnezzar was an arrogant king, who was filled with an overbearing sense of his own importance. God had brought his vaulted self-assurance crashing to the ground. For seven years Nebuchadnezzar lived like the cattle in his kingdom, his mind, reason and self – importance deserted him. When we meet him again, Nebuchadnezzar’s wilderness years are ended; he is able to look to the heavens and his reason and consciousness returns to him. We hear the relief that the life he knows is restored, as he recognises the sovereignty of God over all creation and generations. Nebuchadnezzar’s perspective has changed, he is willing to accept another view of kingship, which is based on truth and justice, this acknowledgement of God’s nature and purpose allows his restoration. The sovereignty of God had come into clear focus and he is changed as he realises how he must live in the future. Making God the king of his life and his peoples.
This example of Nebuchadnezzar might feel very far from our experience, but the principle is the same; we need to align ourselves with the eternal God who rules with justice and truth. Jesus came to show us who God is, filled with God’s grace and truth. We are able to follow our dreams and desires, if we stay connected to God’s purposes for our lives. Being connected to God (John 15 v 1 – 17), and our church and community helps us to discern God’s call to mission, giving us perspective and focus. Ephesians 3 v 20 can help us to put our faith into perspective: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen”
Prayer (R&S 69)
Lord of all being, throned afar,
Thy glory flames from sun and star;
Centre and light of every sphere,
Yet to each loving heart how near.
Lord of all life, below, above,
Whose light is truth, whose warmth is love,
Before Thy ever-blazing throne
We ask no lustre of our own.
Grant us Thy truth to make us free,
And kindling hearts that burn for Thee,
Till all Thy living altars claim
One holy light, one heavenly flame. Amen
Words by Oliver Wendell Homes (1809 – 1894)