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: 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? (Dan 4:34-35)
We have recorded in these words one of the most glorious declarations of the glory, power and majesty of God which one can find within the Holy Scriptures! And yet, it cometh not from the lips of one who was born a Jew, or a descendent of Abraham, but from a heathen king; and that in the midst of an idolatrous nation.
This proclamation of God's Sovereignty by a heathen king and in the midst of such an idolatrous nation was to be a testimony to the world and a humiliation to the true people of God. For though the nations be ever so filled with idols and the true people of God be ever so rebellious and backslidden, God can of Himself proclaim His Sovereign power and glory! God never has been, nor ever will be, dependent upon human instruments to proclaim and declare His Sovereign power and majesty.
Yet, to hear many believers today, even those who stand in the pulpit, one might begin to believe that God has been hindered or limited by the wickedness of the world and the spiritual indifference and apathy of His own children. Nothing could ever be so "untrue and erroneous"! For though we are truly living in "perilous times," and the wickedness of man appears to be more vile and abominable than ever before in the history of man, God is still sufficient of Himself to proclaim, declare and defend His Sovereign power and majesty without the aid of any human instrument!
What comfort! What joy! What assurance does this blessed truth offer to every true child of God who grieves over the wickedness of the world, the indifference of God's people and the countless infirmities within his own heart! That God is sufficient of Himself to proclaim, defend and declare His Sovereign power and majesty!
Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
(Eze 38:23)
Such blessed truths should never lead the believer to remain indifferent and passive, but greatly motivate and inspire us, by the grace of God, to live more consecrated and devoted lives to the cause of Christ and His truths. To draw from the wells of this great truth in such a manner, that in spite of the wickedness of the world and the great indifference of many believers, we strive to live for His honor and glory alone! Not allowing ourselves to be influenced, disheartened or discouraged by such terrible things, we continue to persevere in godliness, faith, hope and love!
Oh beloved and weary pilgrim! "Look unto Him who is the Author and finisher of our faith;" to Him "who 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?" Herein lies the true believer's confidence, faith and hope in the midst of a wicked world and a generation of believers who have become indifferent and cold towards the things of God. Herein lies a great refuge from his own weaknesses and infirmities! To God be all the glory, who is alone sufficient of Himself to proclaim, defend and declare His great Sovereign power and majesty!
Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He, whose Word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.
See! the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love;
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t’assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord, the Giver,
Never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a cov’ring
Showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from our banner
Light by night and shade by day;
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray.
Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in the Redeemer’s blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God.
’Tis His love His people raises,
Over self to reign as kings,
And as priests, His solemn praises
Each for a thank offering brings.
Savior, if of Zion’s city,
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy Name.
Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Zion’s children know.
