Mensa Otabil - The Most High Rules
- Watch
- Donate
From Daniel 4:17, this message proclaims that God alone rules in the affairs of men, showing through Nebuchadnezzar’s fall that no human power can rival Him, and concluding with confidence that God overrules evil and governs our lives for His purposes.
Day 33: God Still Rules the Affairs of Men
Welcome to day number 33 of our 40 Days of Power. We are almost at the end, with just one week to go. This time next week will mark the final day of this journey, and we trust God to complete what He has begun in strength and glory.
We begin with Daniel chapter 4, verse 17: «This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.» As the old King James puts it, the Most High rules in the affairs of men.
When It Looks Like People Are in Control
There are moments when it appears as though human beings rule everything. People exercise power, throw their weight around, and act as if they determine every outcome. Yet today we boldly declare that the Lord rules in the affairs of men.
This truth becomes especially important when evil seems unchecked and injustice goes unpunished. Even then, God remains sovereign. This revelation was given to King Nebuchadnezzar at the height of his pride and power.
Nebuchadnezzar Learns the Hard Way
Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon, a supreme kingdom that had conquered many nations. He believed himself to be almighty and resisted every other god, including the Lord. At the peak of his authority, God issued a decree from His heavenly council.
The message was clear: the Lord rules in the affairs of men. After this verdict, Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity and descended into humiliation, learning that there is a higher King over every earthly ruler.
What This Teaches Us About God
First, God sees everything that happens in our lives. He watches closely over the earth, and life does not simply unfold on its own. No amount of money, power, or influence gives humans ultimate control.
Secondly, God guides human history for His purposes. While He may not directly cause every event, He uses all events for His glory. Even what was intended for evil, God turns and uses for good.
God Overrules Every Human Plan
People may plan evil and believe their schemes will succeed, but God overturns such plans and redirects them for His purpose and for the good of His children. We live within the grip of God’s sovereign direction.
Thirdly, God’s rule overrules all human authority. Kings make decrees, leaders conspire, and systems plan their agendas, but God stands above them all. His rule overrides every human decision.
The End of Evil Is Certain
Nebuchadnezzar eventually learned that there is a ruler greater than himself. God will bring evil down, even if it seems exalted for a time. Evil may sit on a throne, but it cannot remain there forever.
Your life is not in your own hands, and it is not in the hands of others. God rules in the affairs of men, and He rules over your life. Today, we join with the angels of God and declare His sovereign rule.
Prayer
Let us pray together. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, You rule in the affairs of men. Overrule the decrees of the wicked and favor Your children in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen.»