The word of God is such a powerful thing. It has the ability to revive itself in my soul, reminding me again and again of how it was spoken. But I first had to receive it and then I had to respond to it before it could be revived. If I walked out of a service, having received nothing, it was likely not the preacher’s fault. I wasn’t listening. But this blog is from one such message from my own Pastor, Steven Carter, that gives me hope for America, which I, like most everyone else have trouble believing. Especially with the nonsense of today’s election 2016. So today I share with you what my Pastor shared with me, with a little Jesus Chick thrown in, because I for certain cannot remember his sermon verbatim. But it still is stirring my soul with hope! So here it is in a condensed revised version, not to be confused with this splendidly preached version.
ROLLED EYES
Nebuchadnezzar, the King from the story of Daniel, had much in common with American leaders of today. His pride had gotten the best of him. He was his own god, giving himself full credit for the success of himself and his country.
Daniel 4 reads:
28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
That could have been one of last night’s political commercials! Could it not? “I have done this, and I will do that, I am powerful and wonderful and you should look at me because I am awesome!” Or so they said. Even a candidate who gave glory to God made sure everyone knew how great they were too. And I have a feeling God rolled His eyes.
Pride and arrogance ooze out of our land like a volcano getting ready to erupt. But “All this” came upon the King.
31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
Nebuchadnezzar in all his splendidness found himself eating with the cattle, clawed like an eagle and donning dreadlocks. Oh… my mind wanders in a not so godly way as to whether or not a few of our prideful leaders might look like that someday. But I have my own pride to worry about, so I better shush.
FURROWED BROW
This scripture is not about America, but can you see how America fits right into the mold. Our national leaders, like Nebuchadnezzar, actually believe that they have the power of life and death in their hands and the right to do with it what they please. I don’t think God’s eyes are rolling at this point, I think His brow is furrowed and He just might be clearing His throat to tell His Son to call His children home… or there’s one last hope. The one I won’t give up on until God has done just that.
BREATH OF MERCY
It’s that slow release of air from the lungs in relief that destruction was avoided.
34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
The king had finally come to himself and realized that God was on the throne, not him. God controls Heaven and earth and all that is in between…
The issue for us is, although God could stop any of the nonsense from happening, He has allowed mankind to have free will. So today’s election is our decision. And who we put in to lead this nation may or may not have a Nebuchadnezzar mind that will eventually come to terms with their own pride. And so we wait… But… take heart my dear friend because I am. The same God that brought the king to his senses, can bring America back to hers. Our hope does not lie in this election result… It is dependent upon God hearing from His people. Pray!!! Pray!!! Pray!!!
