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Recognizing God

By Bonnie Ricks Sep 20, 2008 10:00 AM EDT

Daniel 4:30 NIV

Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"

Nebuchadnezzar recognized God. He recognized that God was the One who revealed his dreams to Daniel (Daniel 2:47 NIV). He praised the God who rescued Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:28-29 NIV). But he refused to recognize God as his Lord. Even though God gave Nebuchadnezzar a year to repent and turn to Him, he refused. A full year after God's warning to him, Nebuchadnezzar said, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"

Looking at this situation in the cold black and white of the Bible, it seems like Nebuchadnezzar must have been bitten by a "stupid" bug, doesn't it? This man had seen God's omnipotence in Daniel's ability to reveal and interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dreams when no one else could. The king had witnessed God's power in the rescue of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from a furnace that was so hot it had burned up the men who threw the three boys in. Nebuchadnezzar had received a direct warning from God and even given a year to straighten up his act. And yet, he still wouldn't back down. He still wouldn't acknowledge God for who He is. Even though he recognized God, Nebuchadnezzar would not acknowledge God as his Lord.

Just because a person acknowledges God does not mean that person is a Christian. Just because a person recognizes God as the one true God, does not mean that person's life will change. Recognizing God is easy. Even Satan recognizes God for Who He is. But accepting Him as Lord of your life is something totally different. Allowing God to be your Lord puts Him first in your life. It requires a total shifting of your emotional, mental and spiritual position. Instead of being the totally self-centered person your nature wants you to be, it means turning over your entire life - from beginning to ending breath - to Him, allowing Jesus Christ to be in charge rather than yourself.

Have you acknowledged God, but never really accepted the Lordship of Jesus in your life? Who do you put first every moment of every day - Jesus or you? When you have a decision to make, which is more important - your desires or God's glory? Think about it.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

Used with Permission

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