Heaven Rules
“…it is heaven that runs things.” Daniel 4:26 MSG
Often people use idioms to express uncontrollable circumstances. Have you ever used these idioms: “that decision is beyond my pay grade,” “there is a higher power at work here,” or “a blessing in disguise”? What we say and what we believe occasionally are two different thought processes. Sometimes, we try to resolve our situation, but we often lack the power to change the situation truly. So, we use idioms to satisfy the unknown. If the situation seems favorable, we credit our hard work toward a favorable outcome. If it looks negative, we blame someone else or make an excuse by using an idiom like, “only the Lord knows.” A similar passage of Scripture notes that King Nebuchadnezzar used a similar thought process that led to an unforgettable and unfortunate experience. Still it is a valuable lesson for us today.
In Daniel the 4th chapter, King Nebuchadnezzar has a disturbing dream that only Daniel, his reliable Hebrew governor, could provide the needed clarity for the King. Before the dream, the King enjoyed his kingdom. He believed that his accomplishments were the rewards of his actions. The Scriptures stated that the King was flourishing in his palace. In other words, King Nebuchadnezzar was at ease without a care in the world, resting comfortably in his bed, thinking that his hard work contributed to this outcome. Until he dreamed a nightmare that alarmed him from his sleep; although he sent for all the kingdom-wise men, none could interpret the King’s dream. Yet, when he summoned Daniel and revealed the dream to him. Daniel became concerned, and the King had to urge Daniel to remain calm. However, it took an hour for Daniel to compose himself. Daniel’s interpretation unfolded a unique truth about human tendency. For instance, as sinful prone humans, we often gravitate from God rather than to God when we gain wealth and prestige.
First, the tree in the dream represented the King and what he controlled as King. This tree, with luxuriant foliage and abundant fruit, had grown enormously. So, God permits one to multiply materially without the intervention of the human merit system. The idiom “he is doing something right because he is blessed” is misleading because King Nebuchadnezzar’s wealth and dominance extended to the entire world without the merit of his righteousness.
It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. Daniel 4:22
Secondly, God temporarily relieved King Nebuchadnezzar from his position, wealth, and influence because of his unwillingness to give credit beyond self. After Daniel’s interpretation, he pleaded with the King to change his ways to avoid this calamity.
Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.” Daniel 4:27 NKJV
Yet, the King failed to heed this advice and became insane for seven years. He lived among the wild animals with no care for personal hygiene because his hair and nails grew unnaturally. He even ate grass like an animal. Then after seven years, God restored King Nebuchadnezzar with a life-long lesson that heaven rules over earthly affairs instead of man.
After such an experience, King Nebuchadnezzar understood the earthly process. He acknowledged God’s supremacy on Earth and grasped an understanding of the working of earthly kingdoms. The lesson learned is that man’s work is void without heaven’s intervention. Therefore, heaven rules over everything that happens on earth. Notice how King Nebuchadnezzar responded after his seven-year insane experience.
And at the end of the days, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me. 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? Daniel 4:34-35
Likewise, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reminded his readers of this same lesson as he penned a letter from his prison cell. Despite the deplorable condition within his surroundings, Apostle Paul remained in tune with the heavenly realm. He reminded the Ephesians to do the same by noting that God the Father, through Jesus, transmits spiritual blessings from heaven by writing, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3 KJV) Regardless of our current situation, one can tune into the spiritual realm and acknowledge that God’s heavenly angels work on earth for the benefit of heaven. He controls the outcomes on earth from the heavenly realm. Even Jesus taught the disciples the same principles when praying, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9-10)
If you can remember that heaven rules earthy situations, then you can overcome your specific situation by acknowledging that heaven controls the outcome instead of you. Like Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we must align our desires with heavenly intentions by praying that God’s plan will transpire instead of our desired plan.
