(Read Daniel 4:26 & 27)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. In yesterday’s message we saw how Daniel had the grace to speak truth to power. I shared most of what Daniel told the king. Today we will look at the last two verses (26 and 27) of what he said.
The Bible says, “The command to leave the stump of the tree and its roots in the ground means this: Your kingdom will be given back to you. This will happen when you learn that Most High God rules your kingdom. So, King, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing bad things and be kind to poor people. Then you might continue to be successful.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God is THE supreme power and authority.
a) King Nebuchadnezzar needed to learn that he was not a supreme sovereign. He had power, but God has ALL power and the relative power his earthly king had come from the Most High God.
b) We have earthly kings, but God is the King of kings. We may have people referred to as earthly lords, but God is the Lord of lords.
c) The Bible says, “Everyone who rules was given the power to rule by God” (Romans 13:1).
d) There is no question or competition – our God is THE supreme power and authority. This was a costly lesson for Nebuchadnezzar to learn.
2. God expects us to use the power He has given us TO BE a blessing to others.
a) God expected Nebuchadnezzar to use his power to be kind to the poor, but the king failed to do so.
b) When God blesses you He expects you to use the Blessing TO BE a Blessing to others.
c) The purpose of prosperity is evangelism.
d) God will give you more-than-enough for you and your household, and He then expects you to use a portion of the excess to reach the world.
e) If you show God you can be trusted with earthly riches and power, and that you will use them as a tool for His glory, there is NOTHING He will withhold from you.
3. In God you don’t really have something until you give it up.
a) Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that he would get his kingdom back once he learned this lesson: “The Most High God rules your kingdom.”
b) Nebuchadnezzar would regain his power once he learned he was not the source of the power.
c) Nebuchadnezzar would be restored to the throne once he learned to acknowledge the true King.
d) Daniel was basically telling Nebuchadnezzar that he could have his kingdom back, once he realized it was never his in the first place. Nebuchadnezzar had to give it up in order to get it back.
d) Jesus said, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me. Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find true life” (Matthew 16:24,25).
e) Anything you try to hold on to, you will eventually lose. But if you come to God willing to give up everything, then He will give you everything you gave up… PLUS A GREAT DEAL MORE!
4. If you don’t humble yourself, you will be humbled.
a) God gave Nebuchadnezzar several opportunities to humble himself, but the king remained high-minded.
b) Since Nebuchadnezzar refused to humble himself, God humbled him and it was painful. He lived like a wild beast for seven seasons.
c) The Bible says, “Humble yourself under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes” (1 Peter 5:6).
d) If you humble yourself God will exalt you. If you exalt yourself God will humble you. The choice is yours.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. Studying Your grace has helped me to see the bigger picture. I am on this planet for a reason. That reason is my divine purpose. You developed my purpose before the world began. I am here to impact lives for Your glory. I am alive to change lives. You have graced me to impact the people and systems of this world. I appreciate the power and influence You have given me. I am thankful for the resources I have, and there is no question in my mind that You are my source. Everything I have comes from You and I am determined to use it for Your glory. You exalt me that I may exalt thee! So I humble myself under Your mighty hand and You will lift me up in due season. When the time is right, You will exalt me and bless me to another level, so You can use me to reach the world. For the time being I will prove myself faithful over what You have blessed with me with. I use my time, talents and treasure for Your glory. I am blessed TO BE a blessing. I give up everything I have and You freely give it all back to me… A HUNDRED FOLD! I lead as You lead me. I lead as You position me. I lead with humility and grace. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
