Volume 1 - Day 1
Scripture: Daniel 4:14-17 NIV
"He called in a loud voice: 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it, and the birds from its branches. But let the stump of its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.
Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal till seven times pass by for him.
This decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men."
This passage is about Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who set up a golden image for everyone under his jurisdiction to worship. He boasted of his own greatness until God humbled him and made him to know that all true greatness comes from God alone. God is the sovereign ruler of the universe and can set up one and put down another at His discretion.
We must remain humble before God, recognizing that He is the source of our strength, wisdom and abilities. If we do not, He will allow that which makes us look good to be taken from us, to remind us of who is "Boss." Nebuchadnezzar thought he had built his kingdom by the might of his power and for the honor and glory of his majesty. He had to be driven to the fields and eat grass like an ox to realize that even his natural mind was God-given. He had to realize that everyone who had risen to power was accountable to the God of Heaven for what they did with it.
There is no need for us to have to suffer humiliation. We can just humble ourselves on a continual basis.
I will humble myself before God continually, recognizing that He is my source. I owe all the credit to Him for all the good in me