“His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:3, “…and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
Dear Ones:
When one begins to read of God’s dealings with proud Nebuchadnezzar, it is remarkable that he begins Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony by how “great are his signs, and how mighty are His wonders.” (Dan. 4:3) His declaration reminds us of the response to the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. The disciples were then speaking of the “wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:11) That which is common to both of these testimonies is the revelation of the sovereign power of God. For Nebuchadnezzar, that revelation was only seen when God dealt with his pride, that illogical sin of blowing “self-worth,” and “self-importance” out of proportion. This is seen so clearly by Nebuchadnezzar’s declaration: “I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of MY power, and for the honor of MY majesty.”(v.30) It would take this king losing his mind, his kingdom, …all the pride and glory associated with it for seven years, to bring him to the place where he was truly willing to embrace a great, absolute truth: “…the most High (God) rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will.” (v.25) At then end of the seven years, Nebuchadnezzar will declare: “I praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven.” (v.37) The central point is that there is only One God, and He is seated upon the throne of Heaven in His sovereign power. It is that God on His throne that Isaiah saw (Is. 6). It is the same One that John the Apostle saw. (Rev. 4:2) In all of these separate revelations, we see the Sovereign God, the Almighty God, perpetually reigning in Heaven. He also rules sovereignly in the kingdom of men. How does this apply to us? It means that there is nothing, no need inward or outward, that He is not willing and able to meet today…even to the most “insignificant” detail of our existence.
The second great absolute, which is tied to the first is that there is NO GIVER in heaven and earth like God. He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is the GIVER of Everlasting Life, forgiveness, cleansing, His Spirit, the knowledge of His will. He is the Giver of His joy, His love, His peace. This is why, when the individual soul thirsts, He declares with absolute truth, by His sovereign power: “…COME…whosoever will, let him take the water of Life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) Perhaps the greatest deterrent to knowing God, and the reception of Life by the Spirit, is that we do not BELIEVE that God will give. It is at this point that we must grasp the absolute resolve of God to save us, forgive us, cleanse us, fill us with His Life, and lead us in His way. He is quietly, and resolutely determined to save, because He can do no other…He is Love.
Dear Father, enable us to open wide our hearts and minds, to receive the fullness of Thy goodness and love this day. Open our eyes to see not only Thy sovereign power to do so, but Thy commitment and resolve to GIVE. May we be good receivers this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad