DANIEL 4
34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Nebuchadnezzar’s praise
Bible scholars have differing opinions, but it seems to me, that this man is truly saved and repentant.
He acknowledged his sin and also acknowledged that he was nothing, this king who was so high in his eyes, now had the right view of himself and God.
He realized that God can do and does do whatever he pleases Psalm 115:3
He acknowledged the absolute authority of God over the affairs of men, no one, not even him, could tell the Lord what to do.
The words What doest thou?, are so true. Job in chapters 38-42, was asked by God, who are you to question me?
Do we say What doest thou?, to the Lord.
We are have no right to do say those words, they should never pass our lips.
Not only did he have a repentant heart, he had a praising heart, praise was coming from his lips, where there was pride before, this is what happens when someone acknowledges God as Lord of their life.
Every judgement and decision the Lord makes is right and true, his whole heart, had been turned around.
God rewarded him, not only did he get back his sanity, but his kingdom and influence was increased.
This truly is the story of a saved man.
LUKE 18
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you; this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
RELIGIOUS OR REPENTANT
So, which one are you?
The pharisee sought to justify himself, he was arrogant and prideful. Everyone thought he was addressing God, but he was in fact addressing himself. You see these people in church every week, they are just a little bit better than the rest, but that’s only their opinion.
The publican was a man who knew what and who he was, he was a sinner and he was aware of his sin. Unlike the pharisee who knew only one thing, his so-called righteousness.
This publican talked to God, but he couldn’t even look up to heaven, but he showed a holy reverence for God, the beating of his breast or his chest was a sign of sorrow and repentance c/f Chapter 23:48.
So, which are you?
Are you a hypocrite or holy?
Are you someone who goes to church twice a week and give their tithes and has a form of religion, but is like a tomb full of dead men’s bones? You have a form of godliness, but you deny the power of God. Do you know Him when you pray or are you talking to yourself?
There are many like this, they may even hold high office in the church. They are filled with self-righteousness and of their own importance. Jesus will say that he never knew them when it comes to judgement day.
How do you become Holy or justified?
You come like the publican, he stood afar off. Remember the prodigal son, when he was a great way off the Father saw him and ran to Him. God sees your heart; he sees the heart that is repentant and he will accept you right where you are.
There must be a real sorrow for sin, there must be an admission that you have sinned before a holy God and that you are guilty before Him.
The publican beat his breast for there was deep repentance and sorrow for his sin. So, who are you like? Are you like the self-righteous religious person who talks to himself or the repentant sinner who talks to God and is justified because he is truly repentant?
God bless you