A glance at the world around me reveals God’s creativity. The sheer variety of plants, bushes and trees, unique to different zones, points to his inventiveness. Magnificent creatures fill the seas. Mountains rise to the heavens, framing our sunsets. The Creator holds an unlimited imagination.

God is especially creative when dealing with people.

Nebuchadnezzar, the all-powerful ruler of a vast empire, strutted his pride like a multi-billionaire sailing a new yacht. The Lord took offense and humbled Nebuchadnezzar by driving him to madness. Nebuchadnezzar lived in the fields and ate grass like an ox. It’s written that his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Nasty.

After seven years God restored Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity and crown. As an epitaph he wrote, Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Now that’s an understatement.

God remains innovative in his ability to humble those in positions of power, just as he chastens those of us with everyday swollen heads. God uses his creativity to turn pride into humility, and like Nebuchadnezzar, I can be thankful for such work in my life.

Daniel 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

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