In our Theocratic Ministry School, I was assigned this topic to present:
Learn Humility and Avoid Disaster
As we progress in our knowledge of the Bible it is important to also cultivate Christian qualities.
The quality of humility is very important. Humility will help us avoid disaster.
How?
Let's turn to the Bible book of Daniel, chapter 5 for an example. This is the account of Belshazzar, the King of Babylon. At this time Babylon is under siege. The Medes and Persians are a real threat. However, Belshazzar is not preparing for battle, he feels secure that no army can penetrate the great walls surrounding his great city. Babylon is full of necessities so he is not concerned with shortages. In fact, he is actually hosting a grand party. As the night goes on, Belshazzar calls for the cups be brought from Jehovah's temple so they can drink out of them. Then, a hand appears and writes a message on the wall. This terrifies the king. No one understands the message, so the prophet Daniel is called.
(Daniel 5:1-16)
Daniel reminds Belshazzar that it was Jehovah, the Most High God, that made his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar great. When Nebuchadnezzar became haughty, Jehovah corrected him.
(Daniel 5:18-21)
"But when his (Nebuchadnezzar) heart became haughty and his spirit became hardened, so that he acted presumptuously, he was brought down from the throne of his kingdom, and his dignity was taken away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of a beast, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was given vegetation to eat just like bulls, and his body became wet with the dew of the heavens, until he came to know that the Most High God is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he sets up over it whomever he wants." -Daniel 5:20
Remember, Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of the world empire at that time, even over God's people Israel. But Nebuchadnezzar took all the glory to himself and did not recognize Jehovah the Most High. Jehovah disciplined him, by taking away his kingdom and his sanity, so he would be forced to recognize Jehovah's superior position. (Daniel 4:30-37)
Daniel 5, at the end of verse 21 it says, "..he (Nebuchadnezzar) came to know that the Most High God is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he sets up over it whomever he wants."
"But you, his son Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. Instead, you exalted yourself against the Lord of the heavens, and you had them bring you the vessels of his house. Then you and your nobles, your concubines and your secondary wives drank wine from them and praised the gods of silver and gold, of copper, iron, wood, and stone, gods that see nothing and hear nothing and know nothing. But you have not glorified the God in whose hand is your breath and all your ways." -Daniel 5:22, 23
What do you think? Did Belshazzar have opportunity to learn humility? Yes! As verse 22 states Belshazzar was aware of Nebuchadnezzar's experience.
Belshazzar failed to learn humility from history. Rather than humbling himself before Jehovah, he proudly, arrogantly called for the sacred vessels from Jehovah's temple, so he and his guests could drink wine out of them, all the while praising the lifeless gods of Babylon. This was a deliberate act of contempt for the God of Israel. Belshazzar was headed for disaster!
"That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom..." -Daniel 5:30, 31
Today people make gods of lifeless things: money, career, prestige, pleasures. None of these things can give life. Jehovah alone is who we owe our existence to, and who we depend for every breath we take. What have you learned from this Bible account regarding humility?
One thing I have learned is that we need to put Jehovah and his righteous interests before our own interests. We can meditate on our relationship with Jehovah, humbly submitting to his right to guide us in the right way. By applying Jehovah's principles first in our lives as we make our decisions, we will avoid disaster and in fact receive many blessings.
"Trust in Jehovah with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways take notice of him,
and he will make your paths straight."
-Proverbs 3:5, 6
