Theme: THE PRACTICE OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS
Text: “Wherefore, O King, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.” – Daniel 4:27
Comment: In Daniel 4:1-17, King Nebuchadnezzar had a very disturbing dream in which command was given that the tree be hewn down and the heart of the king be changed to that of a beast until seven times pass over him. This is “to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whosoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”
After listening to the narration of his dream, Daniel the prophet told the King how he would be driven from among men to dwell with the beast of the forest for seven years until he would realize that God rules in the kingdom of men. Then, Daniel counselled the King to “break off thy sin by righteousness…” as in the text for today. Unfortunately, King Nebuchadnezzar did not heed this warning by Daniel the prophet hence he suffered the consequence of his pride and arrogance as indicated in his dream.
As worshippers of God, we should not be proud but humble (Proverbs 6:16-19; 16:5,18). Whatever our accomplishment in this world, we should not take the glory to ourselves as Nebuchadnezzar did but we should give the glory to God who has given us the grace, to attain such position. This is righteousness on our part as made known by Jeremiah the prophet. – Jeremiah 9:23,24; Psalm 115:1.