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Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of World Empires
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great men, they sought it from men like Daniel who honored the
living God and were honored by Him. Though the rulers of proud
Babylon were of the highest intellect, they had separated themselves
so far from God that they could not understand the revelations and
warnings given them concerning the future.
Babylon, shattered and broken at last, passed away because in
prosperity its rulers regarded themselves as independent of God and
gave credit for the glory of their kingdom to human achievement.
God brought His wrath on the Medo-Persian realm because in it His
law had been trampled underfoot. The fear of the Lord found no
place in the hearts of the vast majority of people. Wickedness and
corruption prevailed. The kingdoms that followed were even more
base and corrupt, and they sank lower and still lower in the scale of
moral worth.
The power that every ruler on earth exercises comes from God,
and the ruler’s success depends on the use he makes of this power.
To each the word is, “I arm you, though you do not know Me.”
Isaiah
45:5
, NRSV.
The Word of God alone reveals that the strength of nations, as of
individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear
to make them invincible. It is not found in their boasted greatness.
It is measured by their faithfulness in fulfilling God’s purpose.
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