The great tree
Day 428, Monday, Oct. 13
Daniel Chapter 4
Compared to many of the prophet-king relationships we have seen, the relationship between Nebuchadnezzar seems pretty friendly in today’s reading.
In fact, the story is told partially in Nebuchadnezzar’s own voice as he tells the people what his vision was and then later how he lived it out.
The vision is that of a great tree that can be seen over all the earth. A messenger from heaven comes and orders that it be cut down, but that its trunk and roots remain.
Daniel says the tree represents the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar himself, and that he will descend into madness for seven years and be cast out from the people. The cause, apparently, is his pride.
Daniel warns him, “Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.”
Instead, Nebuchadnezzar continues on his way, finally making the prideful statement, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” It is then that a voice from heaven tells him that what has been decreed for him will come to pass.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Monday meditation

Psalms 7:6-17
Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. Let the assembled peoples gather around you, while you sit enthroned over them on high. Let the Lord judge the peoples. Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day. If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows.
Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Prayer focus
Save us, Lord, from being prideful.