I have always been fascinated by the angels. To many, a discussion of angels is taboo. After all, we are told in God’s Word that some have entertained “angels unawares” (Hebrews 13.2) and we should not recognize them even if we should encounter them. Does that mean that we should never encounter a divine messenger? Should you choose not to believe in guardian angels (Matthew 18.10), as an example, you have probably never been the parent of a two-year-old who gets into much mischief.
Along with these fascinating personalities, I have always been intrigued with Nebuchadnezzar – especially with the relationship between him and Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar was a ruthless, yet brilliant, king. His kingdom and authority would rival that of the greatest of earth’s despots and his cruelty paralleled no other. Yet, understanding all of this, God looked down on him with special care and consideration. God chose him to be the disciplinary force through which He began extracting seventy years of dishonored Sabbaths from rebellious Israel. And, the watchers were watching.
One day Nebuchadnezzar looked out from his palace, took a deep breath, and basked in his own personal glory and accomplishments. He boasted of his own personal greatness and claimed divine right to everything he had. After all, it was great Babylon that he had built – or had he? The watchers were watching.
Dreaming about a great tree under which animals of all kinds found sanctuary one night, Nebuchadnezzar was disturbed as the tree was cut down and the stump bound. None of his wise men could explain the meaning – none of those who had been versed in divination, soothsaying, and the magical arts. He was forced to call in Daniel, whose name according to Nebuchadnezzar’s god was Belteshazzar. Nebuchadnezzar inquired of him because he realized that, according to Daniel’s God, Daniel bore the truth and the ability to understand what the watchers were revealing. After all, the watchers were watching.
While the angels of God attended and the demons of Satan conspired, God moved in and through the lives of these people on earth to bring about His divine plan for Israel. Since Israel had rebelled against God’s holiness in refusing to keep His Sabbaths, God used an outside force to bring Israel to her knees and extract what rightfully belonged to Him – Israel’s worship. The watchers were watching.
It took Nebuchadnezzar seven long and trying years of groveling like a wild animal to come to his senses and realize that God would share His glory with no one. When finally he acknowledged God’s supremacy, his mind, his kingdom and his position were restored. (Daniel 4.37) He exalted God as the one, true God who is over all. The watchers were watching.
All of God’s holy angels see the workings behind the scene as God’s will is played out in human history before their eyes. While they may not be privy to all of the reasons God does what He does, they are aware of how God uses elements of His creation, including people, to orchestrate events as they come together into a sharp point of specificity leading to a perfect end. God’s ultimate purpose cannot and will not be altered. He will accomplish what He has determined – not regardless of what a wicked world attempts, but using it to further His plan.
Even though we do not understand it all, as we look at the events we have experienced in our lives and the events recorded in history of humanity, we can often see God’s plan as He has unfolded it for our benefit. As the watchers are watching, we should join them in watching the unfolding drama of redemption. Our view point should be one in which we realize that God is in control even when we are being disciplined by some not-so-nice participants.
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” Daniel 4.37
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/