The Tribune

By Rev Angela C

Bosfield Palacious

ONE of the sayings that my mother often used was, “Pride goes before a fall.”

She had many different ways to teach me about life, faith and character. She modelled her Christian principles, supported her wise words with memorable illustrations, and prayed for more wisdom to train generations of children to trust and serve the Lord in her capacity as a primary school principal.

The lectionary reading in the Book of Daniel offers us many examples of trusting God and learning to be humble. One that is unforgettable is the experience of King Nebuchadnezzar who is warned by God to change his ways, and has to learn the hard way because he does not listen to the advice given to him by Daniel who interprets the king’s dream:

“This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” (Daniel 4: 24-27)

For seven years, the king is insane and then is restored to his original position after repenting of the notion that he was a god and others should worship him:

“At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honour and splendour were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:36-37)

Each of us needs to check ourselves to see where pride creeps in and humility slips out. It is a good thing to acknowledge God’s blessings, to recognise God-given gifts and talents, to accept leadership positions if this seems to be God’s call on one’s life. It is quite another to believe that it is by our own efforts that we are who we are and have what we have.

Let us praise God and gratefully serve God for the successes and victories we enjoy. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to assist us in overcoming the struggles of life. Let us listen to wisdom, test the spirits, follow the Lord, and humbly love and serve God and our neighbour.