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The Most High Rules the Kingdom of Men and Gives it to Whom He Will, and Sets Over it the Lowliest of Men (i.e. Jesus).

September 27, 2020 Speaker: Mike McDonald Series: Daniel: God's Sovereignty in Challenging Times

Topic: Daniel: God's Sovereignity in Challenging Times Passage: Daniel 4:28–37

Nebuchadnezzar’s rule ends in Daniel 4.  Three times he gives glory to God, having been severely humbled.  Daniel’s tells the story in three scenes, with three voices saying the key idea three times:

The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will, and sets over it the lowliest of men (i.e. Jesus).

Scene one is in the palace, where the king has pleasure and power.  God graciously gives him a dream to warn him about pride.  Nebuchadnezzar describes the dream, which states this truth: “the Most High rules the kingdom of men.”  He summons Daniel who gives the interpretation, reiterating the same truth.

Twelve months later, scene two occurs on the roof, with Nebuchadnezzar overlooking Babylon in pride.  God immediately judges him.  The Voice from heaven pronounces Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation, also stating that “the Most High rules.” 

The final scene is in the field.  After Nebuchadnezzar has spent the full time living like a beast, he looks up to heaven and God restores his reason and his kingdom.

The three statements about God’s rule are identical except the first one, which adds “…and sets over it the lowliest of men.”  In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus describes himself as gentle and lowly of heart (11:29).  After his resurrection, he says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).  Jesus is Lord of all.  The Most High temporarily places lesser leaders in power.

Taking It Home: Our country is highly divided over politics and the presidential election. After completing your ballot, pause and pray this: “Here’s my vote Lord, but the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. Jesus is Lord.”  Then turn in your vote and trust God.

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