REPUTED AS NOTHING

" . . . And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing . . . " (Daniel 4:35)

Nebuchadnezzar, the greatest king of his time, had just completed an extended time of education–Divinely imposed education. Seven years before, he had experienced a disturbing dream. He saw a tree in the middle of the earth. It was unusually large, and grew up into the heavens. It was strong, and became visible to all the earth. Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit provided food for everyone. The animals of the field found shade under it, and the fowls of the air nested in its branches. Everyone in the world was fed from its fruitage. But, alas, the tree was cut down, leaving only a stump, saturated with the dew of heaven.

The king was told the dream pertained to him. His heart would be exchanged for the heart of a beast, and he would be turned out to live with the beasts of the earth for seven years–all because he had not given the Lord due honor for his achievements.

Twelve months later, oblivious of the dream and its interpretation, Nebuchadnezzar walked in the palace of Babylon. Pondering his great kingdom he said, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" The Word tells us, "While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee." He was told he would be driven from among men to live with the beasts of the field. That very hour, we are told, he was "driven from men" to live with the beasts of the field. He ate grass like an ox, his body was wet with the dew of heaven, his hair grew as long as eagles feathers, and his nails became like bird claws. He remained in that horrid state for seven full years.

At the conclusion of this experience, the king's understanding returned to him, and the curse was lifted. Speaking quite differently than before being driven from men, he lifted his eyes to heaven and "blessed the Most High," praising and honoring Him. It is then that he spoke the words containing our text. "I praised and honored Him that liveth for ever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: 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?" At the same time his reason returned to him, the glory of his kingdom, and his honor and majesty were also restored to him (Dan 4:10-36).

That was one of the first and most extensive theological courses ever experienced by mankind! In it, Nebuchadnezzar learned about politics, government, and rulers. Although he had risen to prominence among the sons of men, it was not his own doing. It is the Most High who rules over the kingdoms of men, giving "them to anyone He wishes" (Dan 4:32, NIV). Political rulers are moved in and moved out by the Lord. He "puts down one, and exalts another" (Psa 75:7).

When it comes to the working of God, "the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing." The Lord "does what He wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth." He is Sovereign–really Sovereign! "No one can hold back his hand or say to Him: ‘What have you done?'" (Dan 4:35b, NIV).

Nebuchadnezzar had to learn this the hard way, but we do not. Faith can take hold of this truth, and depend upon it. When our hearts grasp this reality, we will not be shaken by the rise of political despots or the demise of beneficent rulers. God can judge a nation by giving them a wicked leader, as in the case of Pharaoh (Ex 9:16). He also brought "the worst of the nations" to possess the houses of His chosen people (Ezek 24:7).

The "inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing" when it comes to the execution of the will of the Lord. That is, if they stand in the way of the Lord, they will pay the price, like Nebuchadnezzar. Nor, indeed, can men stop God from doing His will. The only real alternative we have is, by regeneration, to be a "worker together with God." Then, and only then, are we really somebody (1 Pet 2:10).

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, teach me the glory of Your greatness, and the insignificance of man's seeming greatness.

-- Monday: THIS ONE THING I DO --