TODAY IN THE WORD
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was hardly the first intellectual to declare his atheism. But Nietzsche’s contempt for God was more blatant than that of many other nineteenth-century atheists. Nietzsche ridiculed Christian virtues such as humility, proposing that they be replaced by aggressive pride. His ideal of humanity was a “superman” who would ruthlessly exploit others, unburdened by notions of sympathy or brotherly love. Nietzsche himself boasted, “I am not man; I am dynamite…my truth is fearful.”

Friedrich Nietzsche, meet King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This ancient monarch, recognized as one of the greatest rulers of antiquity, could have taught modern boasters like Nietzsche a life-changing lesson in theology.

For instance, despite his boasts Nietzsche proved to be quite human, suffering a complete physical and mental breakdown in 1889. Nebuchadnezzar suffered a similar fate described in Daniel 4, but there the similarities end.

We know from today’s text that Nebuchadnezzar was in dire need of a lesson about pride and humility. His boasts about his “great Babylon” give us clues to his pride problem. He built the great city and his kingdom to the glory and majesty of himself (v. 30).

This was not just patriotism gone overboard. The king was setting himself in opposition to God. And because Nebuchad-nezzar had conquered Jerusalem and brought back the gold vessels from the temple and Jewish captives such as Daniel, there was more at stake than just the pride of one monarch. Israel’s God’s was being dishonored.

Nebuchadnezzar’s sin was even more blameworthy because it was committed in defiance of a vision from God. The king also ignored Daniel’s warning that his arrogance and cruelty would bring judgment (4:24-27).

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Independence Day is a good day to ask ourselves how patriotism fits into the picture for committed Christians.

Today’s lesson gives us an important clue. If our celebration of America’s birthday leads to praise and thanksgiving to God for His blessings and to humility before Him as our sovereign King, then we can offer God our Fourth of July as a sacrifice of worship.

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