#DailyDevotion The Most High God Makes Rulers Rise And Fall

November 24

Dan 4:1–37

Dan 4:17  The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’…4:34  At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

 

The kings, rulers, presidents, prime ministers, senators, representatives, magistrates, et. al. should take notice. They rule by the pleasure of the King of Heaven, the Most High Jesus Christ. They are his servants. They are answerable to him. His choice of them does not give them carte blanche to do what they please. Whether they believe in him or not, they are his servants. He has placed them in positions of power and might to bring justice, rule fairly, make sure all people are treated with equity. They are to protect their people and keep their areas of rule in peace. They are called to make sure the orphan, widow, the foreigner, the sick, the oppressed and the like are cared for and treated fairly. They are called to take up their cause.

 

But should they become proud like Nebuchadnezzar and think they have built what they have on their own, then they should beware lest they be made an example like him. They however have no promise from the Lord that he will restore them back to their former glory.

 

Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his mind, he repented and gave glory to God who had gave him such glory among men.

 

We too, even if we don’t think we are powerful and the like should take notice for ourselves. We should give glory to God for all his benefits to us. It is he who blesses the work of our hands. It is he who bestows upon us blessing after blessing as we go about and fulfill our vocations. We also should not become proud within ourselves but rather praise God for all his benefits to us.  This time of year we are reminded to be thankful for all his benefits to us lest we make the Most High angry with us for forgetting where our strength comes from and we end up like King Nebuchadnezzar.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for all your benefits and mercies toward us that we should receive the fruits of our labors. Grant wisdom and humility to those you have set above us that they may bless you and serve you in these good vocations of government. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.