We Can Never Gain As Much As God Gives by Rob Haynes

A celebrity was being interviewed on a TV talk show. The host asked, “Can you recall the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?”

“Yes, Next question!”

When Embarrassment Leads to Transformation

Most of us would like to forget our embarrassing or humbling experiences. We would like to move past the things that we aren’t proud of, or don’t put us in a positive light. However, the Bible is full of stories where people share their highest highs and lowest lows. That is because the thing that came after the embarrassing situation was worth more than anything in the world. One such story that is often overlooked is found in Daniel, where King Nebuchadnezzar proclaims to “people of every race and nation” that “’I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.’” (Daniel 4:1-3, NLT)

The Humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar is more often known for his conquest of Judah, his prophetic dreams, his construction of idols, and his attempt to punish Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for their refusal to worship a giant idol. It is also worth taking a closer look at the transformation that happens to him in chapter 4. We have an account, mostly in his own words, of another prophetic dream and the subsequent works of God that transform his life. This dream tells him of his own pending humiliation, if he does not give glory to God. The king fails to do so, instead looking upon the riches of his capital city and the empire and claims these to be works of his own “majestic splendor.” (v. 30)

Babylon was, indeed, a majestic city. It was the center of the known world in the areas of art, music, science, mathematics, and literature. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are still considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. True to the vision God gave Nebuchadnezzar he lost it all in an instant. He suffers the fate that so many fear: exclusion, alienation, and abandonment from family and friends. He is forced to live outside for seven years and even eats grass like a cow. He proves that too many times we try to climb ladders of success only to find that we have been leaning them against the wrong walls.

Success Is Not Proof of Righteousness

While many of us may not state it this way, an incorrect thinking can sneak in among Christ followers that goes something like this: “”If success is not by might nor by power, then it must be by my righteousness.” God answers through Nebuchadnezzar that our achievements are not by our might nor our own righteousness, but only through his grace. The Lord will use our obedience to bless us, but he is not obligated by our obedience to grant us earthly success.

If we have accomplished anything, it only takes a little reflection to see “worse” people who have done far better—and better people who have done far worse. It would be foolish to claim that our accomplishments are because of some sort of moral superiority. Nebuchadnezzar was the richest, most powerful man. Was he morally good? Absolutely not. He was a cruel, wicked, vindictive man. This flies in the face of a supposed cause-and-effect relationship between our “good works” and big successes.

That must mean that the only explanation for earthly success is God’s gracious provision to us. You see, we can never gain as much as God gives. Nebuchadnezzar had more of an earthly kingdom than most of us could ever imagine and will ever obtain. And he was spiritually bankrupt. In an instant, he lost all those material blessings as well.

God’s Grace Is Greater Than Our Failure

But God did not leave Nebuchadnezzar there. God’s extravagant grace breaks in. Nebuchadnezzar is restored, both spiritually and physically. So much so that he proclaims: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud.” (v.37)

All of us are just one step away from that lowly state ourselves. It only takes:

One phone call from the boss

One rejection from our children

One heartbreak from a loved one

One change of health

That same Grace that transformed Nebuchadnezzar’s life is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. God’s grace is above or below any place you may find yourself today. No pride is too monstrous to block it. No humiliation is beyond his redemption.

What are you training to gain that only God can give? The Good News is that God is more ready to give than we are to ask. So let’s start asking.