I do not know how I never caught that phrase before, but yesterday it lept off the page at me. Daniel sure had gumption!
Daniel interpreted his second dream for the volatile King of Babylon and then said, "Therefore, my king be pleased to accept my advice: renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be then that your prosperity will come." (Daniel 4:27)
This is worth repeating in my own words.
1. Repent
2. Do right
3. Be kind to the oppressed
Our greatest economy are our people. The LORD blesses through those around us.
God sure demonstrated patience with Nebuchadnezzar and blessed him with Daniel. I realize that Daniel might not have thought of his captivity as a blessing, but Daniel never stopped being a blessing. He understood the value of investing well in those around him. He spoke truth, gave God glory, and pressed on in serving as if he served God and not man. God used him over a very long period of time to be an instrument in King Nebuchadnezzar's life.
Daniel 4 is the only chapter not written by Daniel. It is unique because it is the testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar sharing how he came to his senses and believed in the Most High God.
He addresses all people every where in a letter so that they might hear about God's most miraculous signs and wonders and that the Most High God's kingdom is eternal with dominion over every generation.
It wasn't until King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that HEAVEN RULES and he praised the Most High God as sovereign over all that his sanity, after seven years of acting like an animal, was restored. God never gave up on him. The moment he renounced and proclaimed God restored him.
It is important to note King Nebuchadnezzar's last documented words in the Bible, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble."
Do you need to acknowledge that "heaven rules"? The same rules apply today.
1. Repent
2. Do right
3. Be kind to the oppressed
Who might you need to be willing to speak with gumption to about the Lord?
Father, please restore our sanity across this land cause our leaders choose to acknowledge that heaven rules.
