Daniel  chapter 4		The Madness of King Nebuchadnezzar						26.9.99

Nebuchadnezzar, powerful ruler of the great Babylonian Empire, learned a lot of good theology from Daniel and the other exiles from Judah.  In ch 2 when Daniel repeated and interpreted his first dream Nebuchadnezzar learnt that the God of Israel is a God Who knows and reveals truths that may be hidden to others.  In ch 3 when Shadrach Meshach and Abednego emerged unscathed from the fiery furnace he learnt that the God of Israel is a God Who saves those who trust in Him.  And in ch 4 he learns that the God of Israel is the Lord of Kings and nations Who must be obeyed.

The chapter begins with another God-inspired dream, reluctantly interpreted by Daniel warning Nebuchadnezzar to submit to God's authority and show kindness to the oppressed in his kingdom.  If he didn't his great majesty and personal prestige would be stripped away and he would find himself humbled.

God graciously sent His Word to this great King offering mercy and blessing but he had to acknowledge God as a greater power and higher King and submit to His ultimate rule.  Isn't this like what we read of Jesus Christ as He began to preach in Galilee? - "The Kingdom of God is near - repent and believe the good news". 

You see part of the "good" news of God is very serious.  That is we have sinned and one day God will pour out His righteous anger on all sin that hasn't been atoned for.  We're invited to escape this coming wrath by confessing our sin and taking refuge in God's grace.  The offer of life and blessing is also a warning about judgement and becomes an indictment against those who refuse to repent and believe.

Nebuchadnezzar had fair warning.

And yet God's Word wasn't enough.  The King must have mulled over the dream for a long time but there was no repentance.  Like many who perhaps come to church an commend the minister for a fine sermon but go out the door unchanged.

Nebuchadnezzar refused to humble himself so he had to be humbled.  God struck him with 7 years of profound mental illness. Insanity so severe he wasn't fit to remain in his palace and couldn't be controlled.  We find him running wild more like an animal that a human being.

Now here's an important point: this was not God's final judgement on Nebuchadnezzar but a period of temporary discipline the aim of which was finally to restore and bless him. The book of Proverbs quoted again in Hebrews 12 says, "My son do not make light of the Lord's discipline and do not lose heart when He rebukes you because the Lord disciplines those He loves and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son". 

Amazing as it may seem to a modern reader, Nebuchadnezzar's period of madness was actually sent by God's grace to humble but then bless him profoundly.  The 70 year period of exile for the Jews in Babylon was not a final rejection by God but His loving discipline to cure them from their addiction to idolatry. We are so sinful and stubborn God needs to be cruel to be kind.  Sometimes God may need to humble us before He can really use us for good.  A time of difficult, painful trial may actually prove to be good for us in the long run if it brings us closer to Him in faith and obedience. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit ... [those who are desperate because they have come to the end of themselves] ... for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

This chapter has a happy ending.  Nebuchadnezzar finally surrendered to God's authority and his sanity returned with greater peace of mind and inner security than ever before.  He was restored to his throne with greater majesty than before but now he knew how to handle it.  Earthly glory passes all to quickly, it's only what is invested in God's Kingdom that will enjoy everlasting glory.

God's ultimate plan for Nebuchadnezzar was grace and mercy and peace but first this powerful man had to repent and submit to the King of Heaven.

Notice finally that after the divine warning, divine discipline and divine blessing we find in this chapter comes a human testimony.  After Nebuchadnezzar submitted personally to God he professed his faith publicly to his people.  Daniel 4 is actually a letter sent from the king throughout his empire telling of his experience.  This is his testimony, the story of his conversion acknowledging his faith in, submission to and dependence on the God of Israel, the "Most High". (v 34-35, 37)

When someone genuinely experiences salvation through God's grace they can't help it - they want the world to know about it!

Some questions in closing:
Have you heard and understood God's Word of warning of days of discipline followed eventually by a final Day of Judgement?

Have you repented and actually surrendered your life to God?

Have you taken advantage of God's grace gladly welcoming the Saviour Jesus to be Lord of your heart and life?

Do you face each day with its trials and blessings trusting Him for your peace and security?
Are you helping to let the whole world know about the God Who reveals mysteries, saves His servants and rules over Kings?

As Nebuchadnezzar might say - you'd be crazy not to!