The Arkansas Traveler

Daniel 4:26-27 (NASB)
26 'And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of
the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that
it is Heaven that rules.
27 'Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now
from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by
showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your
prosperity.'
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God had warned the king in a dream of impending judgment because of his
pride. The goal was for him to recognize that God rules, and that he had
his position because of God.
After Daniel interpreted the dream, he called the king to repentance, so
that perhaps God might prolong his prosperity, that is so that he would
escape God's judgment.
The ensuing verses tell what happened when the king did not repent. He
had to suffer judgment till he came to his senses and recognize the rule
of God.
Does God rule differently today? He does call us to repentance and warns
of impending judgment. If we will repent and follow Him, we escape much
of His judgment. That is called mercy and grace as well as forgiveness!
We will choose God's grace or suffer His judgment!