There is perhaps no greater evil that blinds people of God’s gracious provision than their pride. I’m reminded of King Nebuchadnezzar, who was made to live like a beast for a time because of his pride. The main truth that God wanted to reveal to Nebuchadnezzar through his dream and through his punishment, was that all his greatness had been given to him by God. It was God who had given Nebuchadnezzar his dominion. Daniel had told him that he would be forced to live like the beasts of the field, till he knew “that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4:25b).
Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t the only king who fell victim to his own pride and was then forced to reap the consequences. In 2 Chronicles 26, we read of Uzziah, who reigned in Judah for 52 years from Jerusalem. The Bible says of him in verses 4-5, “And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” Then, in the verses that follow, many of his accomplishments and military victories are mentioned.
Unfortunately, this great king grew proud. Verse 16 says, “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” The king had no right performing the duties of a priest, as God prescribed for the lineage of Aaron. Uzziah figured, since he was such an important king, he could do what he wanted. His disobedience to God was punished with leprosy; and he remained a leper until he died (v. 21).
He wanted to do something spiritual for God, but God did not accept his worship because it was rooted in pride. Pride always separates people from God; it never brings us closer to Him. Pride says, “look what I have done, and how great I am!” Pride robs God of the honor, glory, and thanks due His name alone. It doesn’t matter what we profess to do for God, if we do it out of pride, God will not accept it because He knows that the motives are impure and selfish.
If pride separates us from God, what brings us closer to Him? Recognizing our great dependency on God and thanking Him for His provision brings us closer to Him. God not only gave Nebuchadnezzar his dominion, but he also gave him the food on his table, the beat of his heart, and the air in his lungs. Scripture says in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
What is the greatest gift that humanity has ever received? God Himself, through the incarnate birth of Jesus Christ. Think of Paul’s words from Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This incredible gift is the reason why millions of people around the world are celebrating the Advent season. This incredible gift becomes even more meaningful when we consider the reason why Jesus became man. He came to die for our sins and defeat sin and death through His glorious resurrection so that we can have eternal life in Him.
God is a wonderful Provider; He provided a way for salvation, and He provides for any other need we might have. What does the Lord desire of His creation for His perfect provision? Thankful and receptive hearts that recognize their dependency on God’s merciful giving. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 147:7-11, “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God, who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry. He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.”
The Lord takes no pleasure in pride. He takes pleasure in His children when we remain close to Him and trust in His provision for our lives. He takes pleasure in His children when we lift up our voices to Him in praise and thanksgiving. He takes pleasure in His children when we recognize that everything we are and have, has been temporarily entrusted to us to glorify Him and to further His kingdom. He took pleasure in Nebuchadnezzar when he finally came to his senses again, lifted his eyes to heaven and blessed, praised and honored God with the words we find in Daniel 4:34b, “For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.” And in verse 37 he concludes, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” When reading his words of praise and thanksgiving to God, it seems as though Nebuchadnezzar finally learned what God was trying to teach him: God is the giver of all good things.
Loved ones, during this Advent season, let us consider what our response should be for the good things that we’ve received from God in our lives, and continue to receive. Are we proud of who we are, and what we have? Or are we thankful to God for what He has provided? Do we recognize that pride separates from God and dependency and gratitude bring us closer to Him? Do we realize that at His command, everything could be taken away from us? In a minute, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye? It doesn’t matter what we own, how educated we might be, or the work that we do. Every person who is alive today, is alive today because of the goodness and provision of God. Every soul who has been forgiven and regenerated is eternally indebted to God for His sacrificial giving. He is a great Provider. Let us never forget to thank God and to praise Him, for His merciful provision.
David Knelsen
Hamilton, ON
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