Talk about losing an election. Talk about being shown the exit from the seat of power. Talk about a humbling. Talk about God’s unearthly effort to reveal Himself to an arrogant, self-glorifying ruler. Then you’re talking about King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

Hovering over Daniel 4 this morning and the thrice repeated explanation of why Nebuchadnezzar was suddenly deposed from office, driven from among men, sent out into the fields for a timeout, and became a vegan (4:32).

” . . . to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”

(Daniel 4:17 ESV)

The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to who He will. There it is in verse 17, again in verse 25, and again in verse 32. Or, as restated by Daniel with but two words — two words that echo in my brain and capture my heart — Heaven rules!

“And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules.”

(Daniel 4:26 ESV)

It really would be just a timeout for the glory-seeking king. God having determined to preserve “the stump” and “roots of the tree” so that Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom might be restored to him when he had learned the lesson — the lesson that Heaven rules.

And I find myself praying this morning for all those wrapped up in this crazy political season, that we all would learn the lesson, or as the case might be, remember the reality that Heaven rules.

From past presidents, to presidents elect, to us plain people, how we need to have “reason returned” (4:34) to us so that we can put our current chaos in the context of the Most High, confessing anew that God rules the kingdoms of men and gives it to whom He will.

Heaven rules. Yes it does.

By the grace of God. For the glory of God.

. . . and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored Him who lives forever,

for His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and His kingdom endures from generation to generation;
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and He does according to His will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay His hand
or say to Him, “What have You done?”

(Daniel 4:34b-35 ESV)