... They Are But Men

..They are but men

Arise, O LORD, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Psalm 9:19-20 (NIV)

As we approach the elections, which I would guess we all want to be done with already, this verse offers the reminder to pray for the humility of our leaders.

When leaders of nations think too highly of themselves, they will surely push God out of their picture. He's not really gone, they just function as if He is. Woe to such a nation.

King Nebuchadnezzar is a good illustration:
Then a herald cried aloud: "To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." Daniel 3:4-6

Fast forward to Chapter 4 when Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream: "this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." Daniel 4:24-25
..Till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men....
"That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws. And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation." Daniel 4:33-34

And I lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I bless the Most High....

Pray for our leaders. Pray that those in authority in our country and others will know there is a God in heaven Who rules and reigns on the earth and that they are but men.

Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK

Crown Financial Instructor and Keswick Board member, George Hutchison, has started a new weekly blog, STEWARDSSHIP INSIGHTS. Check it out today: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/