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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise How amazing to hear Nebuchadnezzar declare your praise! He said, “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” (Dan 4:34). Today, I join with the king of Babylon and praise your name. I worship you, the King of heaven, for all your works are right and all your ways are just! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the madness and humiliation that befell Nebuchadnezzar because of his sin and pride. As I read, I was struck by the fact that you warned him in a dream and even had Daniel urge him to “break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed” (Dan 4:27). At first, Nebuchadnezzar seemed to follow Daniel’s advice, but a year later, he looked out over the city of Babylon and took credit for its greatness. In that moment, you struck him with madness, and he lived like a beast until the period of time was over. Then his reason returned and his kingdom with it, and he glorified you as the one true God. His last words are an important lesson to me: “He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Dan 4:37). Far better to humble myself and submit to your will, than exalt myself and be cast to the ground (Ps 147:6)! Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 bc, and almost 10 years later, in the first year of Belshazzar, Daniel had a second vision of the future of the world. In the vision, he saw four great beasts rising out of the sea. The four beasts represented four different empires that would rule the known world, one after the other: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The ten horns of the fourth beast represented ten kings that will arise (they will unite to form the final phase of the Roman Empire—Rome II). The little horn represented a king that will come up after them. He will be different from the others and will put down three of the ten kings. He is called, among other names, the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess 2:3), the “Antichrist” (1 John 2:18), and the “beast” (Rev 13:1ff.). He will blaspheme you and oppress the saints for 3½ years (the last half of the Tribulation). Then the heavenly court will sit in judgment, and his dominion will be taken away and given to Christ (the son of man). Christ will return to earth with His saints, defeat the Antichrist, and establish His everlasting Kingdom (Dan 7:25–27). Daniel’s visions of the future were given to show your sovereignty over the nations—all things will be ordered after the counsel of your will. They are also meant to encourage me in the faith, for in due season I will reap if I do not give up (Gal 6:9). Reflection Jehoiachin was released after 37 years in prison! I had all but forgotten him, but you remembered and granted him mercy. What wonderful grace! Even in the midst of judgment, you are willing to forgive and restore those who humble themselves in repentance. Request Father, today’s reading underscores the danger of pride and the importance of humility. Help me to submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and to humble myself under your mighty hand. Thanksgiving Thank you for the vision of Christ coming into His Kingdom! I want to serve Him then as I serve Him now! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Look, Ye Saints; The Sight is Glorious” — Thomas Kelly. Meditation Verse: Daniel 7:13–14.