For Our Good: Daniel 4:34-37
God can use all things for our good. This is more than a platitude for the afflicted. It is also more than a rationalization of life. Life is full of difficult moments we all traverse. But there is more to this phrase than saying what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Inherent to this understanding is that God’s hand is intentional and at work.
At the end of the days of his trial, Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity returns to him. He goes back into leadership. His advisors return to him and welcome him back into the leadership role.
There are several fascinating aspects to his return. Consider this from a human perspective. Nebuchadnezzar was unable to rule the kingdom for a considerable length of time. It would have been easy for any one of his advisors to step into the role of king and take over. Which one of Nebuchadnezzar’s advisors wouldn’t have wanted the power for themselves? To think that Nebuchadnezzar’s advisors saw him go into exile – even if self-imposed – and they kept his position for him is remarkable. History is filled will tales of underlings who found weakness in a superior and staged a coup to take over.
Examining this story from a spiritual perspective gives light to why Nebuchadnezzar’s position was still waiting for him upon His return. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that he would be brought low until the time of trial was complete. The implication of this is God is in control. Daniel says as much when he tells Nebuchadnezzar that his insanity would last until Nebuchadnezzar recognizes God’s power.
This spiritual perspective meshes well with the human perspective above. Nebuchadnezzar’s position was waiting for him because the affliction comes from God. God can preserve Nebuchadnezzar’s reign with ease. God can cause those who might take advantage of Nebuchadnezzar’s weakness to honor Nebuchadnezzar’s right to rule instead.
We can see the righteousness of God in this dynamic. The whole point of this incident is to teach Nebuchadnezzar a lesson about the sovereignty of God. What good is there in teaching Nebuchadnezzar a lesson about the sovereignty of God only to have Nebuchadnezzar lose his role and be unable to influence Babylon after the fact? It makes sense that God would preserve Nebuchadnezzar’s position.
God’s plan works. Nebuchadnezzar eventually recognizes God’s sovereignty. When Nebuchadnezzar is restored to his previous role, he takes time to honor and praise God. The king of the empire that brought God’s people into exile takes time to praise God. This is an incredible victory for God.
When God afflicts Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar learns to acknowledge God can do as He wills. Nebuchadnezzar learns that nobody can stand against God when God desires to move His hand. What is neat about this story is that Nebuchadnezzar is not embittered by this experience. He praises God and declares that everything God does is good and right. God can use all things to His glory. God can use all things for our good.
