“Nebuchadnezzar…dreamed. He said: “I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth. The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see…(He Told the dream to Daniel, his chief advisor, Daniel said:) “The tree you saw…IS YOU. For you have grown strong and great…‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. STOP SINNING and do what is right. BREAK FROM YOUR WICKED PAST (repent)…Perhaps then you will continue to prosper…Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon…Nebuchadnezzar Said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! BY MY OWN MIGHTY POWER, I HAVE built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’ “While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! YOU ARE NO LONGER RULER of this kingdom.” (Daniel 4:9-11,20-27,28-31) He as a wild animal for seven years before he repented and was restored.
The Bible tells us over and over that God wants HUMBLE HEARTS in His people. “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.” (Micah 6:8) The wisdom of God cries out: “I HATE PRIDE and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13) The Lord God, “…gives us MORE GRACE. That is why Scripture says: “GOD OPPOSES (antitassomai: to range in battle against) THE PROUD but shows favor to the humble.” SUBMIT YOURSELVES, then, to God. RESIST THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:6-7) When are hearts are full of pride. We become enemies with God and ENTER INTO BATTLE WITH HIM!
Why is this? Because of what the devil proclaimed, “I WILL ascend to the heavens; I WILL raise my throne above the stars of God; I WILL sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I WILL ascend above the tops of the clouds; I WILL make myself like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13-14)
The devil drew one third of the angels down with him! So, we know He will attack but more importantly, we know if we resist the devil and submit to God, THE DEVIL WILL FLEE…
-Bill Stockham