Title: “Nebuchadnezzar’s Conversion” Script: Daniel 4
Type: Expos. Series Where: GNBC 11-2-25
Intro: J.V. McGee once told a humorous story about a lonely old rancher who was being troubled because he thought a man was hiding under his bed at night. This paranoia began to disrupt his life because every few minutes he would get up in the night and look under his bed…no one there! Nerves began to fray, tired from sleeplessness. Began to be depressed. Every night the same thing. Finally, another rancher said: “Ed, you need to go see “the shrink” in town. So, Ed made his way to town and talked to the psychiatrist about what it would take to heal him of his paranoia. The doctor said it take about 10 sessions at $300 an hour to be fully cured. Ed, walked out of the office, never going to a single session. 3 months later Ed and the doctor bumped into each other at a diner. Ed was happy and refreshed, smiling. Doc asked how had been. “Great doc, thanks!” Curious psychiatrist asked, “Ed, excuse my asking, but who helped you to get over your problem?” (Wondered if he went to another counselor, pastor, etc.) Big smile Ed replied: “The carpenter did!” “The carpenter?!” “How in the world did the carpenter heal you of your paranoia?” “Well, he came over to my house, cut off the legs of the bed and nailed it to the floor and now that man who was troubling me can’t get under my bed! And the best thing, he only charged me $50 to do it!” Now, that’s a bit of a light story about a very serious matter that plagues millions of people both great and small. Many a world leader has struggled with mental health issues of one form or another. Winston Churchill suffered from severe depression, calling it his “black dog”. Abrham Lincoln suffered from severe depression, calling it “the hypo”. Historians say Woodrow Wilson suffered from a form of anxiety disordered that negatively influenced his presidency. The civil rights leader, MLK Jr. struggled with severe depression, attempting suicide 2 times before was 13 yrs. Nebuchadnezzar, was no different, and today in Daniel 4 we’ll see how God’s humbling of this world tyrant ultimately led to his conversion.
Prop: In Daniel 4 we’ll see 4 Important Elements in Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion.
BG: 1. Once again we will see Neb has a dream that only Daniel can interpret.
2. 25-30 yrs since Daniel came into exile.
Prop: Let’s Examine 4 Important Elements of Nebuchadnezzar’s Conversion in Dan. 4.
I. The Tyrant’s Troubled Sleep. Vv.1-18
A. Nebuchadnezzar’s Sleep is Troubled By Another Perplexing Dream.
1. God Disturbs the King Again in an Attempt to Get his Attention.
a. As we begin in this chapter I think it’s important to point out something that most people miss when reading this chapter. Many scholars believe that vv. 1-3 here is not connected to the events of chap 3 & fiery furnace, but rather, this and vv.33-37 are to be seen more like “bookends” of this chapter outlining the king’s conversion. We can think of it as the king’s testimony and then the intervening section is the reason for his testimony, and then the chapter closes once again with his testimony. Let me say this, it is a marvelous testimony. It’s very different from the pompous and passionate decree of 3:29. Conviction is different from conversion.
b. Chapter 4 is the culmination of God’s dealings with King Nebuchadnezzar. Like chap 2 a dream is the centerpiece of the chapter. The chapter begins/ ends with a declaration of God’s sovereignty, a humbling profession for a man who was undisputed leader of the largest empire of the world. Chapter 1 stressed this sovereignty in God’s faithful dealings with His 4 faithful servants. Again, chap. 2 shows this sovereignty in the faithful interpretation of the dream of the statue. Chap. 3 demonstrates Divine sovereignty in His preservation of and presence with the 3 thrown in the fiery furnace. At its most basic element conversion requires a basic understanding of sovereignty: “I am not God of my life. God is! I am not the sovereign of my destiny. God is!”
2. What was the Cause of Neb’s Troubled Sleep?
a. Notice Nebuchadnezzars’ condition when he was confronted by the 2nd dream. No longer the young paranoid prince but now he is older and has secured power and dominion over his empire. V. 4 “Was at rest and flourishing”. Life was good! No oppressive problems. No struggles for power. But once again he is troubled by God with a dream that “made me afraid”.
b. Illust: One old preacher said the malady Neb was suffering from was “Perdendicular I-atus”! Two geometric objects are “perpendicular” if they meet at right angles. Next few verses “I, me, or my” used on the average of 3x per verse. Well, for all of Neb’s emotional responses to God’s power demonstrated in previous chapters, he is still living both the vertical as well as the horizontal planes of his life focused solely on himself. (Not just leaders but all outside of Christ.) You see, our consciences can be awakened and our hearts stirred toward spiritual realities w/o being truly converted.
B. God Often Uses Troubles in our Lives in Order to Get our Attention.
1. What is the content of this troubling dream?
a. Again, before the content is made known, Daniel had to be called in. Divine revelation is understood only by men and women whose hearts belong to God. The content of the dream was a great and terrible tree that ruled over the whole earth and all the animals of the earth found food and comfort in this tree. Suddenly a heavenly creature (v.13) comes down and gives orders for the tree to be chopped down to the stump and roots. Yet, as in Ps. 1, Jer. 17, Is 56, Ez, 31, etc., we realize a tree in Script can often be symbolic of individuals or nations. Before he could determine the content, the king needed to find interpreter of dreams.
b. 2 troubling aspects of this dream: a. Tree would be chopped down. b. The individual this dream referred to would have his heart changed from a man to that of a beast for 7yrs… for a purpose: Read v. 17.
2. The Antidote for the Troubles is to Put our Faith and Trust in Jesus Christ.
a. Ultimately a lack of peace in one’s life, the stressors of anxiety, the “black dog” of depression are spiritual in origination and should be treated spiritually. Romans 5:1 tells us “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” Man is at enmity with God and no amount of medication will change that fact. A person without purpose will not instantly have purpose by taking a pill. But if you place faith and trust in Jesus Christ, His finished work is applied to your account and your debt with God is cancelled, you are forgiven. And you find not only forgiveness but also purpose in living the life you were designed to live.
b. Illust: CS Lewis once said: “Pain is God’s megaphone.” ““We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” V.17 – Neb was about to suffer for 7 yrs. but the suffering was purposeful.
C. Applic: Neb’s dream should have been terrifying to the tyrant…A superhuman empire would be reduced to subhuman proportions!
II. The Warning: God’s Revelation. Vv. 19-27
A. Daniel Interprets the King’s Dream and Gives a Dire Warning.
1.This Section of Daniel Records one of the Classic Confrontations of Scripture between a man of God a powerful politician. Illust: Daniel’s confrontation with Neb ranks alongside Moses and Pharaoh, Elijah and Ahab, John the Baptist and Herod, Jesus and Pilate, and Paul and Agrippa. Let me tell you this, dear one, the common theme in each of these confrontations is that God’s person, not the prince or power of this world, is truly free and grows to full stature while the person of the world shrinks.
2. Notice 3 Important Contrasts Made in this Passage.
a. The contrast b/t Daniel’s sensitivity and Neb’s insensitivity. V.19 Daniel is severely troubled by the dream and in an interesting spin or role-reversal, the king attempts to comfort the prophet! Now that encouragement, possibly well meaning, was superficial and altogether inappropriate. Daniel was absolutely right to be troubled. God had granted Daniel a compassionate spirit. He believed the truth of the dream God had given and he cared enough about his king to warn and fear for his future. Illust: Common occurrence in college. Gideon Bibles. Campus ministries..share Gospel, give plan of salvation. Possibly troubles individual. Plenty of friends..”Don’t worry about that “stuff” now…let’s go party. Have another beer. The true friend says: “Yes, there is a God in heaven and He is keeping accounts.” Daniel was that true friend.
b. The contrast between the decree of Neb and the decree of God (v.6&17&24) Back in v. 6 Neb had made a decree. Neb thought he controlled world events, that he could change outcomes. He did not understand that this decree had come down from heaven by word of the holy watchers. Neb could either learn willingly or painfully that ultimate power did not rest in his hands nor in the power of Babylon, but rather in Heaven and in the hands of God. We must all learn this too. And so, God decrees that Neb will be humbled to learn this truth (vv.25-26)
c. The contrast between who Neb was in his own eyes and who he would be under God’s judgment. This dream was given by divine revelation and illustrates to us that God regularly works in the lives of individuals so as to reveal Himself in accordance with our own personalities.
B. The Warning to Repent.
1. Go Back to the Central Element of the Dream: The great tree.
a. The cosmic tree was a reflection of Neb’s own self-image. His own sense of self-worth was made plain in the last chapter with the towering statue. And to this point we see nothing in the events of chap. 4 to think that self-assessment has changed. Neb sees himself as lord of the universe, a despot providing for the needs of the nations. The essence of sin is simply this, that as William Temple once said: “I make myself, in a host of ways, the center of the universe.”
b. Neb. was oblivious to the fact of vv. 17&25! Remember back in 2:21? “He changes times and the seasons; He removes kings and He sets up kings.” In other words, God was about to get a bigger hammer out of His tool box in order to get the king’s attention, and it would all take place at once.
2. God gives a general warning for all to repent, but here a specific warning is given.
a. v.27 – Daniel gives an application to his interpretation. Oh king, repent! Make a break of it! Turn from sins and iniquities. Show humility by helping the poor. Turn from pride and arrogance. Show humility. Maybe God will see and relent. That is a hard message for a megalomaniac to receive. Maybe he did receive it for a season. But life was not changed.
b. Illust: I had a slight connection to Lee Atwater while living in SC. In 1970s and 80’s he became leading Republican political advisor 1st in SC and later nationally to Presidents Reagan and Bush Sr. Architect of what was termed “Southern Strategy” which took the South from being under the absolute control of the Democrat Party for a century, to the most secure regional base for the Republican Party today. Atwater was a larger- than-life figure. Young. Arrogant. Influential. Ear or Presidents. Wildly popular blues guitarist playing w/the likes of BB King on the David Letterman Show. Even nominated for a Grammy award! Was cut-throat and calculated, at one point called “The most feared man in politics”, only winning mattered to Lee Atwater and he rode that rocket to dizzying heights. Until one day at a fund raiser fell with a seizure, from malignant brain tumor. In a moment it was all taken away. A mutual acquaintance, Harry Dent (Former Nixon advisor) went to Atwater and shared Christ with him. Before his death at 40 years of age., Atwater publicly and privately asked forgiveness of his political enemies in an act of humility and contrition.
C. Applic: Daniel faithfully warned Babylon’s sovereign of the coming judgment by the Universe’s Sovereign.
III. The Folly of One’s Pride. Vv.28-33
A. Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride and Folly Run their Disastrous Course.
1. The Word of God had Warned Nebuchadnezzar to Turn from his folly and pride.
a. Nebuchadnezzar should have read the words of another world leader whose folly overcame his spiritual good sense. Solomon wrote in Pr. 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall". Overestimating one's own abilities and worth can lead to making massive mistakes, becoming less receptive to criticism, and ultimately experiencing a shocking and shattering downfall. Certainly this was the case with the king.
b. V.29 – We see that an entire year has passed since the ominous dream was interpreted. God gives him ample time to repent of his hard heart. II Peter 3:9 comes to mind: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” What had Neb during that year’s reprieve? Had he started to act differently for a season? Did he act a little more religious? Oh I have seen far too many individuals in my life and ministry who seemed to have a profession of faith, or a spiritual experience who washed out or made spiritual shipwreck of their faith! Read v. 30.
2. Neb’s Arrogant Assessment. Vv.30-32
a. Do you know what a “plumb line” is? Recently used one on 2 separate occasions for construction projects I was involved in. Simple tool of string with a weight attached to it, used for determining the vertical on an upright surface. Gravity ensures that the weight hangs perfectly straight, thus allowing a builder to ensure that a structure is vertically aligned. Pride is folly!
b. Nebuchadnezzar made the most fatal mistake an individual can make. He assumed that he would interpret God’s activity by his own plumb line. Neb wasn’t and isn’t alone in making this ill-conceived assessment. If I were to go on the streets of Iowa City inquiring of individuals as to the conditions for entering heaven at least 9:10 would claim: “Be a good person.” If I then asked if the individual was a good person I would assume a similar response. Why? Because measuring life by the plumb line of self and not the Law of God!
B. God’s Judgment Falls Furiously Upon Nebuchadnezzar.
1. IN a moment of time Neb loses not only his empire but also his sanity.
a. V.31 The voice of the Judge of all the universe passes sentence on the king! Sovereignty is removed! Driven from your home to live with wild animals as a beast for 7 years! Sentenced for a purpose! Learn that God Alone is Sovereign over all the Universe. You, o king, are but a man. Do homage to God. Since you will not humble yourself, God will humble you. Smitten with symptoms of Lycanthropy (Gk- lucos/wolf and Anthropos/man. Long before Lon Channey Neb was the original wolf man!)
b. V.33 – Neb took on the appearance of his sin-induced surroundings. We look like the sin we are involved in. It troubles me, and I realize I am now older and I don’t want to be “that guy”, but it troubles me how much Christians in general, and pastors in particular want to look like and act like the world, all in the name of “acceptance” ability to “relate” to the lost. Illust: How do you “relate”? You don’t dress up like a corpse in a coffin to relate to those who are spiritually dead. Rather, you offer the life-changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Beware of Becoming Deaf to the Warnings of God.
a. Illust: “John Elias was an 18th century Welsh evangelist. Told the story to illustrate how easily one can become dulled to the warnings of the Word of God. Elias had to visit local blacksmith who had recently bought a new dog. Dog barked furiously with each clang of the hammer upon the anvil. As time went by the barking became quieter and less frequent until one day Elias looked in on his friend only to find the dog asleep on the floor and the blacksmith hammered out horseshoes. Neb had similarly become accustomed to the “hammering” of God’s Word, ignoring it and rendering his conscience immune from its impact upon his life.” (Sinclair Ferguson, p. 92)
b. Friend, our Lord told us that judgment will come unexpectantly and suddenly upon those who are not ready for the Savior’s Coming. Lk 12:46 “the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware.”
C. Applic: Friend, I think of Rom. 2:4-5 when I read the account of Neb. (READ IN BIBLE!) Neb ignored that advice. I implore you dear one, do not ignore this either. Pride was root of first sin with Satan’s rebellion in heaven.
IV. Conversion is Complete: Reason is Restored. Vv. 34-36
A. Neb’s Conversion is Complete
1. The Ravaging Effects of Sin Run their Course in Neb’s life. .
a. 7 years Neb wallows in his sin. An old evangelist once said: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. The original “superman” has become “subhuman”, the one who refused to honor God’s glory loses his own glory! Being miserly with the poor he becomes poorer than the poor. He becomes outwardly what he was inwardly-bestial. It seems as though there is no hope for this poor man. He is doomed. He is damned! Until…
b. There is, however, a word of hope in this passage. Most of us will miss it. We pass right over it. That word: “until”. “Until” is the glimmer of light in this otherwise black and bleak cavern of divine chastisement! You were lost UNTIL someone share Christ, read the WOG. Gave a tract, heard a sermon, UNTIL!
2. When Neb raises his eyes his Reason is Restored.
a. My friends it’s a glorious day when you realize you’ve fallen so deep into sin that you can no longer look down because you can’t get any lower! That’s a great place for the ruined sinner to be, and it’s a great awakening when we realize, that the wisdom of this world has failed! Sin has not satisfied! The sage advice of unsaved friends offers no help or hope! What do you do in that situation? YOU LOOK UP! You look up to the One Who was lifted on a cross, and you realize He can save me! Back in Lk. 15:16-17, that old prodigal son was literally in the pigsty of life! He was starving. No friends. Living like an animal. The Bible says that “when he came to his senses he lifted up his eyes”. In Gen. 22:13 we read Abraham lifted up his eyes to see the ram of sacrifice! And here in Daniel 4:34 we see (READ), Nebuchadnezzar quit looking down and raised his gaze to heaven, and when he did, he came to his senses!
b. I want you to see the chain of cause and effect that is clearly delineated in a series of well-marked steps in Nebuchadnezzar’s life He lifts his eyes and reason returns to him. He praises God! (v.34) His repentance retraces his steps of rebellion. Repentance recognizes rebellion. It’s not just that “I made a mistake.” Or, “I messed up.” “No! “I sinned against the Great and Glorious God of all the Universe and I deserve damnation.” Once Neb had looked to Babylon for meaning and purpose but now he looks to Beulah Land! Sin had brought him to shame but repentance marked the beginning of restoration of his glory!” (S. Ferguson, p. 95)
B. A Redeemed Man Realizes His Full Potential When He Comes to Christ..
1. Neb makes 4 Confessions in vv.34-37 underscoring his repentance and faith.
a. He confesses the Sovereignty of God. b. He confesses the creatureliness of mankind: v.35 – Not theory but personal experience Neb confesses that even the greatest men are nothing before God! (Must have a personal experience.) c. He confesses the truthfulness and righteousness of God. v.37 (I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins…” (Salvation requires my agreeing with God’s assessment of me!) d. He came to realize God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble! (Pr. 3:34) I Pet.5:6 “Humble yourself before the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at due time.
2. Illust: Rusty Woomer was one of the most notorious criminals in SC history. I won’t go into his crimes but they caused him to be sentenced to death row. For years sat there, sinking lower and lower in depravity. Bob McAlister was Gov. C. Campbell’s chief of staff (I had met him when interning in the legal counsel for Governor.) and a devout Christian with a unique calling. Minister on death row. When went to RW’s cell found a man chalky white with hollow black eyes, unshaven, filthy matted hair, porn on walls, a dozen roaches crawling on him, cell covered in excrement. Living as a demonic beast. Wouldn’t even speak to McAlister. In time, prayed: “Jesus, I’ve hurt a lot of people. Ain’t no way that I deserve You to hear me, but I’m tired and I’m sick and I’m lonely. My mama’s died and she’s in heaven with You and I never got to tell her bye. Please forgive me, Jesus, for everything I’ve done. Reason returned! Next week visited his cell: It was spotless. Gone were the dirt and roaches and porno magazines. The walls were scrubbed, the bed was made, the scent of disinfectant hung in the air. Rusty himself was smiling and enthusiastic. He said, ‘I spent all weekend cleaning out my cell because I figured that’s what Jesus wanted me to do.’” (Chuck Colson, The Body)
C. Applic: Even if you are not a murderer or a tyrant, you need Christ today!
