Godly Leadership: A Study in Daniel The Leader’s Transformation Daniel 4:1-37 Daniel Chapter 4 begins with an amazing proclamation to the nations and peoples of every language who live in the world! “It is my pleasure...,” he began, “to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.” This proclamation came after living through a great trial that involved the king’s losing everything…his authority, his honor and splendor, and even his sanity. King Nebuchadnezzar had reached the pinnacle of his career as perhaps the most powerful king ever. He boasted of all he had built even though his means for achieving such success was, at least in part, the wicked oppression of others. God, in His goodness, gave the king another dream to warn him of judgment if he did not acknowledge that only God has ultimate power and authority over the affairs of men and that He alone is to be exalted. As Daniel interpreted the dream to the king, Daniel pleaded with him to repent from his wicked and prideful ways or lose everything. The king’s heart remained unchanged and God’s judgment came: Nebuchadnezzar’s authority was taken away and he was driven away from people to live with the wild beasts. At the end of that time, the king’s heart was transformed. His focus shifted from himself and his greatness to acknowledging that God alone is to be exalted, that everything God does is right, and all his ways are just. King Nebuchadnezzar ends with the statement that God is able to humble those who walk in pride. Daniel’s courage and love • Caused him to plead with the king to change his ways. • Teaches us to speak truth even in the face of potential personal loss. • Encourages us to want the best for those in authority over us. The King’s pride and fall • Brought him the loss of all. • Warns us not to take credit for what God has done. • Encourages us to humble ourselves. God’s mercy and forgiveness • Warned Nebuchadnezzar ahead of time • Restored the king after he acknowledged that God is the King of kings The global proclamation that opened this chapter finishes with these words from one of history’s most powerful kings…God’s “kingdom is an eternal kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation.”