The Sin of Pride
Scripture Reading — Daniel 4:29-37
“Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
—Daniel 4:30
King Nebuchadnezzar was full of himself. In effect, he said, “I have built this great city of Babylon, and I am in control. I am better than others and work harder. Look at how smart I am. Others owe me honor and glory.”
Earlier in Daniel 4 we learn that Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that made him afraid. Daniel interpreted the dream, telling the king that he would become like an animal if he did not give up his sinful pride. But Nebuchadnezzar didn’t listen.
What was the cure for Nebuchadnezzar’s sin? He needed an act of God to have his soul relocated. The dream was fulfilled, and he became like an animal for a while. After his humiliation and restoration, the king said, “Now I … praise and … glorify the King of heaven. All those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” Nebuchadnezzar also saw that his kingdom of Babylon was a gift from God and that God was the one who made him prosper.
The cure for Nebuchadnezzar—and for us—is possible because Jesus Christ came to this world as a servant. He suffered the pangs of hell on our behalf. His sacrifice can cure the sin of pride—and all other sins—if we but confess our sins to him.
Father God, we are miserable without you. We know that only you can free us, through Jesus Christ, from certain death. Forgive me of my pride and selfishness, for your Name’s sake. Amen.
About the author — John Kuperus
Since he was young, John Kuperus has had a passion that everyone would know Jesus. Spreading the good news that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) is very important to him. To be better equipped for missions, John attended Reformed Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He applied these skills with marketplace evangelism in a business he started in Sussex, New Jersey. This calling continued to follow him, so John attended seminary and became a minister in the Christian Reformed Church, serving a church in Ontario for eight years. Currently he serves as a missionary for Youth with a Mission (YWAM). He witnesses Jesus changing lives as people walk out of the darkness into the light. John is married to Helen, and they have seven children.
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