Proud Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar was a proud man. Nebuchadnezzar was the leader of the first great world empire. He was the "Head of Gold" spoken of by Daniel the Prophet. Who would dare to not applaud or join in long standing ovations for the "Great" Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon? Yes, Nebuchadnezzar was a very proud tyrannical leader who knew in his own heart and mind just how great and wonderful a man he really was, (or so he thought.)
The problem that King Nebuchadnezzar had was that he had forgotten just where his great power had come from. God had given him his power. God had enabled him to do his great work. God had protected him from being killed in battle. God was the one to be praised, not Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar forgot these facts because he was a jealous and proud man.
God says that pride is sin. Pride is in fact a very great sin before God. Pride was the sin of Satan when Satan said that he would become "like the most high" and take over Heaven. Pride, however, "cometh before a fall".
The fall of Nebuchadnezzar was prophesied by Daniel. Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that because of his pride God would send him out into the fields for seven years to eat grass like an animal, until he learned not to be proud.
This actually happened to Nebuchadnezzar. He went crazy and was forced to eat grass like an animal. After seven years passed, his sanity was restored, and he was much more humble than before. He realized that God was the source of his great strength, and therefore he glorified God and not himself.
How about you? Are you proud like Nebuchadnezzar? Perhaps you do not see pride as a sin. God though hates "a proud look" (Proverbs 6:17). God hates your look of pride, your raised nose and your hard forehead. Pride will keep you out of Heaven and will send you to Hell. Pride will also keep you from admitting your sin and coming to Jesus so that Jesus might then pay for your sin. Give up your sin. Trust Jesus instead. Only Jesus can save you from your sin.
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