Brought Down A Notch

I used to hear this phrase as a kid growing up and it was my Mom’s way of explaining that I was about to be humbled. She also used to say: “I was a bit too big for my britches”. This was another way of saying that she was the parent and that I was under her authority and she was about to exercise her authority and discipline me. I learned at an early age that when Mom or Dad told me to do something, they meant it. I also learned that they were followers of The Lord and they had put themselves under His authority.

Daniel is a foreigner (Jew) who was taken captive from Jerusalem and now was serving under King Nebuchadnezzar as a close advisor. The King had another dream that the other magicians and advisors couldn’t interpret, but Daniel could. The Lord was telling the King that he was about to be humbled. The Lord wanted him to acknowledge the sovereignty of heaven. Check this out…

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes towards heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives for ever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;

    his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

35 

All the peoples of the earth

    are regarded as nothing.

He does as he pleases

    with the powers of heaven

    and the peoples of the earth.

No one can hold back his hand

    or say to him: ‘What have you done?’

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisors and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. (Daniel 4:34-37 NIV)

 

No matter what success may come my way, I should always give credit where credit is due – the Lord is the Leader of my life. He is my closest advisor. He is fully capable of taking me or anyone else “down a notch” when or if He pleases. I should never get to proud of my accomplishments because I am nothing without Him. He speaks into me. He speaks through me. He is worthy of my highest praise and worship because of Who He is and What He has done and is doing in my life!

I was reminded of this passage in James. Check this out…

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10 NIV)

 

Pressing On!

Dwayne