Sharing from the WORD

"In Chapter 4, King Nebuchadnezzar dreams a second dream! He shares with Daniel this vision of a growing, abundant tree with beautiful leaves and fruits. A holy watcher descends and demands this tree to be destroyed and a man to be driven away from other men. He is to eat like an animal for “seven periods”. Daniel’s interpretation reveals that the tree is actually King Nebuchadnezzar and destruction of the tree is God’s will to get rid of the king’s prideful desire of glorifying himself. (v29). Being the just and sovereign God that He is, God fulfills his prophecy (v33).

“Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws” (v33). Right at the end of the seven-day period, the King, humbled, shouted praises to God and admitted God’s sovereignty over everything (v37).

The chapter reveals the sovereignty of God where he placed Daniel at the /right/ place and time to reveal the King’s dreams that were dreamt at the /right/ time. Reflecting on the way God has rebuked the king’s hardened, selfish, and prideful heart, I was reminded of the ways God has brought my sins to the light. Throughout high school, I’ve worked very hard to achieve one goal: to get accepted to one of the top universities. Being at a place like Cal has made me realize how ambitious I am. I put my worth and value in the academic success/kingdom that I have built up. But, with the /right/ people God has placed in my life at the /right/ time and place, I have come to know Him more, including the love He displayed on the cross. Because of the cross, I can repent and be forgiven. I am no longer bound to the desires and expectations of this world. I can live fully for Him for my value is found in the new identity Christ has paid for.

All this, the sovereign God has planned. All this, the holy One and Him only is glorified. How amazing it is that He knows our sin, thoughts and desires.. That He rebukes our unrighteousness… and cares for us enough to make a way to salvation! Truly, God does everything to glorify Himself, as He deserves all glory. Being the personal God He is, He invites us to be a part of this, not that we may glorify ourselves but that He could be glorified through us.

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” - John Piper, Desiring God."

-Yoyo"