Scripture Reading : Daniel 4
Theme : God Humbles Nebuchadnezzar
Dream of Decreed (1-18). God had graciously given power to Nebuchadnezzar, but he would not admit this. Instead he is proud because he thinks he has created his empire by his power. So God decides to humble him by showing him in a dream that He will temporarily take away his kingdom until he repents and gives God the glory.
Fulfillment of Decreed (19-37) Again, Nebuchadnezzar had to ask Daniel to interpret the dream because no one else could. Through Daniel, God declares the meaning of the dreams. God would take away Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom away from him for seven years. He will live in the wilderness and with wild beasts until the end of the seven years. When seven years are finished, he will acknowledge God and give glory to Him, then God will restore him to normal and give him back his kingdom. This is actually what took place. Most likely, Nebuchadnezzar became a believer of God because in v. 37 he acknowledges God is completely just to humble him. He seems repentant. God has graciously saved this proud man.
Praying the Scripture
- One of the greatest enemies to faith in God is pride. Pride in your old self will not let the new self be established. It is an illusion to think that everything you have is obtained by your power. For it is God who has graciously provided the opportunities and the skills for you to accomplish anything (Ps. 127:1). Count your blessings every day and acknowledge God for all the good things that you have. Give thanks to Him.
经文：但以理书4
主题：神使尼布甲尼撒谦卑
降旨之梦（1-18）。神在恩典中赐予尼布甲尼撒作王的权柄，但他不愿承认这事实。反之，他变得骄傲，自认为巴比伦帝国是他亲手建造的。因此，神决定使他降为卑，在梦中向他显示自己会暂时性地收回他的国，直到他悔改，给予神荣耀。
圣旨的应验（19-37）。尼布甲尼撒再次得求但以理解梦，因为无人可以。神借着但以理宣扬梦的讲解。神将从尼布甲尼撒收回他的国，为期七年。他将与禽兽住在田野中，直到经过七年。七年后，他会承认神并将荣耀归于祂；那时，神会使他恢复原来的模样，再次把国交给他。这就是所发生的事。尼布甲尼撒大有可能信了神，因为在37节中，他承认神是全然公平的，使自己降为卑。他似乎悔改了。神恩待这位骄傲的人，拯救了他。
用经文祷告
- 信神其中最大的阻碍是骄傲。旧我的骄傲是不会让新造的人建成的。你若认为所拥有的一切全凭自己的能力取得，那纯属幻想，因为赐予你机会和能力达成任何事务的是神（诗127:1）。要每天数算你的恩典，并承认所拥有的一切好处源于神。要称谢耶和华。
