Pride Versus Humility
The series of messages pertaining to being trained before launching out into ministry were to caution God’s people about jumping ahead of Him, instead of waiting until the appointed time. Today’s message is a warning to those who exalt themselves. This is an Old Testament example of a king who became puffed up with pride.
King Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride
All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months, he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”
While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King
Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses.”
That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.
Nebuchadnezzar is humbled and He Praises God
And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven. And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?”
At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down (Daniel 4:28-37).
This our command from God: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name, which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).
Even though the Word says “Jesus is the name above every name and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is LORD” Jesus was His earthly name and it was a common name. Many Hispanics’ names are Jesus (Hay-SOOS). When Jesus humbled himself and obeyed God, He was given the title LORD!
Whoever humbles themselves, God will exalt, and whoever exalts (lift themselves up with pride), will be humbled. Lord, help us to realize and stay aware that anyone can be lifted up with pride.
When we see others fall because of pride, we need to pray for them instead of looking down on them. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Grace and Peace, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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