And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding 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 is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Daniel 4:34-35)

Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most successful rulers of the ancient world.  By ruthless and violent tactics he amassed an empire whose domain reached the end of the earth.  Ironically, God subdued this powerful ruler, thus prompting this inspiring ascription of praise.

This Babylonian ruler marks a typical example of misguided worldly achievement. Both nations and individuals alike may have little material prowess yet be great in moral stature. One's worth is not measured by the sum of one's earthly possessions, but by his understanding of his true purpose in this world.

Before arriving at this lofty goal, one must conquer himself.  Nebuchadnezzar, from the lofty heights of Babylon, the Great became prideful.  “Look what I have done!”, was his attitude. There is no sin that so frequently condemns as selfish pride.  This is especially true when self becomes the center of the universe.

God has a limit on his patience, and when his boundaries are crossed God takes action! When the sin of any nation or individual is full or complete God will punish!  Thus, in an instant, the sovereignty of this great Babylonian king was removed.

At the end of seven days, Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored. In Homer Hailey's commentary of Daniel he states: “when one's mind is demented and his reason warped toward self and God by pride and arrogance, these can only be corrected when the individual looks to heaven and realizes the truth concerning himself and God.” The spirit of self-sufficiency must be removed and replaced by humility and dependence.

Thus, Nebuchadnezzar breaks forth in praise of Jehovah.  God was ruling long before any king appeared on earth. He is the "Most-High" God, the Everlasting. His purpose will be accomplished, and no man or nation can restrain Him.

By George Slover

And Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak." (2 Chronicles 18:13)

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah had allied himself with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. Jehoshaphat had agreed to go to war with Ahab against Ramoth-Gilead. However, they must first inquire of the Lord.

Thus, the scene is set. Two kings dressed in royal garb were assembled with 400 prophets at the gate of Samaria. The king of Israel inquires, “Shall we go up against Ramoth-Gilead?” In unison, all of the prophets said: “go up”. However, Jehoshaphat would not be satisfied until he inquired of the prophet of the Lord.

Micaiah, of Imla, had an unfavorable reputation with Ahab.  He never prophesied favorably.  However, Micaiah is charged with a Divine message, and he will faithfully deliver it regardless of the consequences.

Had numbers been a test of truth, Micaiah would have been wrong.  However, the truth cannot be put to a vote. It is not determined by a majority. God alone determines what is true.  And, anyone with God on their side is in the majority.

The 400 false prophets declared what the greedy King wanted to hear, thus they prophesied “good” in his behalf.  If Micaiah had known what was best he would have taken his cue from them. However, Micaiah was not in the business of pleasing men, but God. Therefore, he would deliver what is truly “good” for them: the truth of God.

Micaiah displays amazing courage. His feet are firmly planted on the rock of Truth. Though threatened with the bread of affliction, he remains true to his duty to faithfully proclaim God's will.

Who will stand on God’s side today? Who will join the ranks of Elijah, Jeremiah, John, the Baptist, Stephen, Paul, Micaiah, and other men and women of faith?  We can afford to be scorned by men, and if we are honored by God.

By George Slover 

"In that day," says the LORD, "I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast And those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, And the outcast a strong nation; So the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on, even forever. (Micah 4:6-7)

“In that day” seems to identify the marvelous promises mentioned here to the Gospel age. Remarkably these prophecies also describe the pathetic state of those who received God's blessings. “The lame” and “the outcast” represent an afflicted people. For centuries the Jews had suffered at the hands of various nations and her own unfaithful shepherds. However the Christ would but would relieve the afflicted of all nations.

The ministry of Jesus offers a clue as to who would receive his blessings. "He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives.” (Luke 4:18) Among the recipients were a social outcast that had five husbands, a  tax collector, and  a  harlot that rejoiced in the grace of God.

Human monarchs have promised to take up the calls of the downtrodden and have failed because they fail to serve the greatest needs of the human soul.  But Jesus, the King reaches the very heart of human need.  He lifts them from the dregs of sin and makes them a part of his remnant.

The “remnant” includes Jews and Gentiles who trust in Jesus (Romans 9:27-33). They are citizens of Christ heavenly kingdom, a holy nation, God's people (1 Peter 2:9-10).  And they have been chosen to bear fruit for God (Ephesians 2:10).

The Lord reigns over his people in Zion. When he is enthroned in one's heart something very special happens.  There is no one like him.  He heels our woes and gives us a special place with God.

Thankfully God's kingdom has come!  Those of all nations have entered and found righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.

By George Slover

"This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)

This familiar verse seems to be connected to the promised Messiah.  He is the “stone rejected” by the builders which is the “chief cornerstone” or the foundation of God’s redeemed ones. (Acts 4:11,12) Thus, the Lord has given them a day in which they must rejoice.

There are certainly several significant days connected to the Messiah.  When the angels announced the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:11), they announced a new era and hope for the world.  At just the right time God sent his son into the world to redeem man. Jesus came fulfilling prophecy and healing the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives. Praise God!

Certainly, there are several significant days in Christ’s earthly ministry, but none more significant than his resurrection.  Jesus promised his disciples this would happen (Matthew 16:21). This was the day of all days! It was not the day of his birth or the day of his transfiguration, but the day of his resurrection.  Without this day there would be no victory over death.  Be glad and rejoice in it!

Because of his death and resurrection, other significant days are brought into the life of believers. One may recollect the time and place and circumstances where they were born again into the family of God. “Oh, happy day when Jesus washed my sins away!”

For 2000 years disciples have on each first day of the week been remembering his death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 20:7). Jesus promised (Matthew 26:29) his disciples that the “bread” and the “cup” would be a memorial of his death. Paul then instructed the believers at Corinth to commune with each other and the Lord, proclaiming His death, and awaiting His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).  Rejoice in it!

Surely the Lord brings a day of gladness to our hearts each day of our lives.  The close fellowship with God, the joyful service, and the ever brightening hope compel us to rejoice. One day these things will disburse into immortality and the people of God will eternally bask in the peace of heaven.  Praise God!

George Slover
 

Although my house is not so with God, Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, Ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire; Will He not make it increase? (2 Samuel 23:5)

The last words of David are recorded here. As he reflects upon his eventful life, he sees one constant: the remarkable presence of God. By God's grace David is the Lord's anointed and sweet psalmist of Israel.

In messianic tone, he marks out the qualifications of a truly good king (vs 4). Though David has come short of those marks there is one to come of whom David is his is type. Characterized by justice, the Lord’s rule shall be as refreshing as the morning sun (vs.4).

The Messiah’s rule will be marked by a covenant (vs.5). A “covenant” usually connotes a mutual agreement between two parties. However, this covenant focuses on the promises of God to David. God promises an everlasting kingdom offering the “sure mercies of David”.

The first noted quality of this covenant is its reliability and trustworthiness. It is marked by orderliness and security. It is well arranged because it is the product of God’s perfect wisdom, and suited to the deepest needs of man. It is guarded and preserved by God himself.  While men may question it, scorn it, and even attempt to twist it with their own traditions, God’s counsel remains unchanged.

“Everlasting” marks the enduring character of God's covenant.  God had promised David an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7: 12,13). It has an eternal king who is also a priest and Savior.  It was designed according to the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:11). God’s marvelous purpose was to bless men and women of every nation with the rights of citizenship in His kingdom.

“Salvation” is the blessing offered by this covenant. For this reason, both David as well as all of God's people look forward to an ultimate triumph over death, and a wonderful eternal inheritance.

The sure and steadfast promises of God surely rejoice our hearts. What a marvelous thought. Though I have been a wretched a failure, God, faithful and true to his promise, is determined to save me.

By George Slover