Exalting His Name

King Nebuchadnezzar learned the truth of Who is “the God of heaven” (Dan 2:37), when he saw how “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” (Dan 3:28), were delivered from the fiery furnace! In spite of showing “the signs and wonders that the high God” (Dan 4:2), had worked upon him, the king responded to God’s call with pride and arrogance, by claiming that he built “the house of the kingdom by” his own power! God hates pride (Jms 4:6), and punishes it (Prov 16:5). We are told that it took “twelve months” (v. 29), before God’s judgment came into his life.

The king may have thought that the prophecy of his judgment (v. 25), was just the words of a foolish man. But the time to execute his chastisement was now at hand. We must not misinterpret God’s timing when “He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). Nobody gets away with sin (Rom 2:1)! God’s amazing grace (Eph 2:8), is presently working in our midst to give everyone plenty of time to repent (2 Pet 3:9); by trusting Jesus alone as their Lord and personal Savior by faith (Rom 5:1). However, God’s “longsuffering” (Ps 86:15), has its limitation! It was seen in the great flood during Noah’s days (Gen 6:13); the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24); and sending Israel into captivity (2 Ki 17:18). There is always a price for sin (Gal 6:7).

God is simply giving the wayward souls an opportunity to repent (Rom 2:4)! God’s punishment upon Nebuchadnezzar was swift (v. 31); all that he boasted in was lost and he lived like an animal (v. 33). God knows how to get our attention (Gen 50:20), and will not hesitate to touch any area of our lives so we can turn our hearts back to Him (Isa 19:22). Instead of resisting, we must acknowledge and exalt His name! God bless you!



-Pastor Melito Barrera