June 10, 2025

THE DREAM/THE FALL/THE RESTORATION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’”

Daniel 4:34-35 NLT

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.”

Daniel 4:37 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

It’s rare to hear a sermon preached from Daniel 4—because it’s not Daniel who narrates this chapter, but Nebuchadnezzar himself, the pagan king of Babylon. Yet it holds one of the most profound testimonies of God’s mercy, power, and the transformational work He can do even in the heart of the most prideful person.

This chapter is essentially Nebuchadnezzar’s personal testimony—a before-and-after account of how God interrupted his pride, brought him low, and ultimately restored him.

The Dream, the Fall, the Restoration:

Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a glorious tree that touches the sky—full of fruit and life—but it’s suddenly cut down, leaving only a stump. Disturbed, he calls for his wise men, but they’re clueless. Daniel, a man of God, steps in.

The message? “You are the tree.” The king would be humbled and live like a beast for seven “periods of time” until he recognized that God—not kings, not kingdoms—rule the world.

Though warned by Daniel to repent, Nebuchadnezzar refuses. Then, just as prophesied, he is driven away from society, living like a wild animal—until, in his lowest moment, he looks up to heaven. And there it is: restoration begins the moment humility is born.

Three Key Observations:

1. God Humbles the Proud

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Nebuchadnezzar had built Babylon into the envy of the world—and he thought it was all by his hand. God used his descent into madness to reveal the truth: God alone is sovereign.

Reflection: Where am I relying on myself instead of God? Pride often hides in subtle ways.

2. No One Is Beyond God’s Grace

If you had to make a list of people likely to repent, Nebuchadnezzar probably wouldn’t make the cut. A cruel, pagan king? Yet God pursues him. His grace reaches deep, and His mercy restores fully.

Reflection: Who have I given up on that God hasn’t? And where might God be extending grace to me even now?

3. God Uses People of Integrity to Plant Seeds

Daniel doesn’t just interpret dreams—he embodies a life of faith, wisdom, and courage. Though the king ignored him at first, his influence remained. Daniel’s faith planted a seed that later led to the king’s repentance.

Reflection: Am I living in such a way that others will remember my witness when they face their lowest point?

Final Thought:

The moment Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven, his sanity returned. Worship followed. His story is a reminder that restoration begins when we finally look up.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to walk humbly with You. Strip away pride and self-sufficiency and clothe me in wisdom and compassion. Let my life reflect Your truth so that others may see and turn to You. Use me, like Daniel, to be a light even in dark places. Amen.

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