Text: Daniel 4:19-37

Dear Brethren,

ANGELS WATCHING
King Nebuchadnezzar was then the high king of the Babylonian Empire. It was one of the largest and most powerful empires in the ancient world. Nebuchadnezzar was given to pride.

In one of his dreams, he saw a Tree that grew so tall, it reached right up to the heavens! This tree represented Nebuchadnezzar. In the same dream, he saw "A Watcher". This Person ordered the Tree to be cut down!

"The Watcher" was actually a mighty angel of God! In this passage, we are given a glimpse of the spiritual world. God had ordered His angels to look after the earth and all its inhabitants!

A similar concept is found in Zechariah 1. In this portion of Scripture, those who are looking after the earth are described as "horsemen". They ride the high heavens and survey what is happening on the earth. They make regular reports to the Lord concerning the activities of men.

We will not be able to see these watchers or angels, but it is comforting to know that God has His angels watching over us!

"THE HUMBLING OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR"
When Nebuchadnezzar became too proud, and too sinful, the Lord had to "teach him a lesson". The lesson was this,

"They shall drive you from men,
your dwelling place shall be with the beasts of the field,
and they shall make you eat grass like oxen…
Till you know that the Most High rules
In the kingdom of men,
And gives it to whomever He chooses."
Daniel 4:25

These were truly humbling lessons! But they are well worth learning!

1. It was God who allowed Nebuchadnezzar to become King.

2. It was God who RULED in the kingdom of men, even though men on earth ascend thrones.

3. Earthly kings received their appointments from the Lord.

4. The Lord has the power and the right to give appoint or to depose a king!

5. Man, even if he is a king, has no power or authority outside that which God gives to him.

Nebuchadnezzar could either learn this lesson the hard way or the easy way. Unfortunately, he chose to learn it "the hard way". One day, "the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar" (Cf. Daniel 4:33). It does not pay to be filled with pride.

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 3rd June 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore