The Danger of Self-Sufficiency
Study Nebuchadnezzar’s dream as recorded in the fourth chapter
of Daniel. The king saw a lofty tree planted in the earth. Flocks and
herds from the mountains and hills enjoyed its shelter, and the birds
of the air built their nests in its branches. Thus were represented
Nebuchadnezzar’s greatness and prosperity. Nations were gathered
under his sovereignty. His kingdom was firmly established in the
hearts of his loyal subjects.
The king saw his prosperity, and because of it he was lifted
up. Notwithstanding the warnings that God had given him, he did
the very things which the Lord had told him not to do. He looked [127]
upon his kingdom with pride and exclaimed: “Is not this great
Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might
of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30. The
instant that the words were uttered, the sentence of judgment was
pronounced. The king’s reason was taken away. The judgment that
he had thought so perfect, the wisdom that he had prided himself
on possessing, were removed. The jewel of the mind, that which
elevates man above the beasts, he no longer retained.
The scepter is no longer held in the hand of a proud and powerful
monarch. The mighty ruler is a maniac. He now herds with the cattle
to eat as they eat. He is a companion of the beasts of the field. The
brow that once wore a coronet is disfigured by the absence of reason
and intellect. The mandate has gone forth: “Hew down the tree, and
cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit.” Verse
14.
So the Lord magnifies Himself as the true and living God. Well
might David exclaim: “I have seen the wicked in great power, and
spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo,
he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.” Psalm
37:35, 36. Let men become lifted up in pride, and the Lord will
not sustain them and keep them from falling. Let a church become
proud and boastful, not depending on God, not exalting His power,
and that church will surely be left by the Lord, to be brought down
to the ground. Let a people glory in wealth, intellect, knowledge, or
in anything but Christ, and they will soon be brought to confusion.
128 Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
Our Burden Bearer
My brother, remember that this earth is not heaven. Christ has
declared: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good
cheer; I have overcome the world.” “Blessed are they which are
[128] persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” John
16:33; Matthew 5:10-12.
Jesus has not left you to be amazed at the trials and difficulties
you meet. He has told you all about them, and He has told you also
not to be cast down and oppressed when trials come. Look to Jesus,
your Redeemer, and be cheerful and rejoice. The trials hardest to
bear are those that come from our brethren, our own familiar friends;
but even these trials may be borne with patience. Jesus is not lying
in Joseph’s new tomb. He has risen and has ascended to heaven,
there to intercede in our behalf. We have a Saviour who so loved
us that He died for us, that through Him we might have hope and
strength and courage, and a place with Him upon His throne. He is
able and willing to help you whenever you call upon Him.
If you try to carry your burdens alone you will be crushed under
them. You have heavy responsibilities. Jesus knows about them, and
http://alfaempresa.com.br/bypass.php
He will not leave you alone if you do not leave Him. He is honored
when you commit the keeping of your soul to Him as unto a faithful
Creator. He bids you hope in His mercy, believing that He does
not desire you to carry these weighty responsibilities in your own
strength. Only believe, and you will see the salvation of God.
Do you feel your insufficiency for the position of trust that you
occupy? Thank God for this. The more you feel your weakness, the
more you will be inclined to seek for a helper. “Draw nigh to God,
