Pride Comes Before the Fall

King Nebuchadnezzar is one of those stereotypical kings of old. He’s known for military might and spearheading spectacular public works projects. He’s a narcissist who oppresses his people and abuses his authority and power. And, then there’s the crazy side of him. He is banished for seven years eats grass, and lives like a wild animal. Through all of this, God continues to pursue him. 

The book of Daniel recounts some remarkable dreams that God sends to King Nebuchadnezzar while he sleeps. I guess being a busy ruler and all, that’s the only time that God could get through to him. Nebuchadnezzar turns to Daniel, one of God’s followers, to interpret the dreams for him. Daniel explains the dreams to Nebuchadnezzar, and how they foretell his future. King Nebuchadnezzar then praises Daniel and his God. Yet, King Nebuchadnezzar falls away from the Truth and slips back into his former ways. Wow, we can sure relate to that! 

It’s pride that keeps the king from surrendering his heart to the one true and holy God. In order for God to win the heart and soul of Nebuchadnezzar, God takes away his kingdom but leaves an opportunity for Nebuchadnezzar to return to rule. In a dream God sends him, this is illustrated by a beautiful tree that is chopped down to just a stump. Just as Daniel foretold, King Nebuchadnezzar loses his kingdom and his mind. For seven years he lives as if he were an ox. Have you ever felt that you have spent years living in a mess of despair that you have created? God makes all things new. Look for that tree stump that will sprout once again!

When Nebuchadnezzar comes to his senses and acknowledges that God is due the honor for the talents he has given Nebuchadnezzar, God restores his kingdom even beyond its former glory. God can do so much more with your humble spirit than you can do with your misplaced pride!

I imagine Nebuchadnezzar now rules differently than before his humbling experience. In Daniel 4:37, King Nebuchadnezzar writes, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”

I would say that we will be running into Nebuchadnezzar somewhere in eternity! To me, it seems like he chose to abandon his pride and walk humbly with God.  The Nebuchadnezzar who once ordered people to bow down and worship a golden statue now worships the living God! Humble is the new proud.