In our Wednesday adult Bible study, we're going chapter by chapter through the book of Daniel. Tonight we're in Daniel 4. It's the story of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a tree that gets cut down and bound in chains. Daniel explains that Nebuchadnezzar is the tree, that his kingdom will be taken from him, and he will "live with the animals; eat grass like cattle and be drenched with dew." (4:25) Then, it actually happens: "He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with dew until his hair grew like eagle's feathers, and his nails like the claws of a bird." (4:33)
It turns out there's an actual mental disorder called boanthropy which causes the sufferer to believe that he or she is a cow or ox. It can get so severe that physiological changes take place. Some "boanthropes," as they're called, actually grow coarse hair and thick nails as a result of the disorder. They are also known to eat grass, walk on their hands and knees, and moo like cattle.
Fascinating, right? I think this would be a great lesson for kids: Humble yourself and honor the Lord, or He will make you a cow-man. Ok, that's a stretch, but I do think it points out that God is willing to take away anything we put above Him in our lives. For Neb, it was himself. When he lost his mind, he had been admiring his kingdom and said to himself, "Is this not the great Babylon which I have built by my power and for the glory of my majesty?" (4:30) So what I've learned is this: the best idea for life is to keep God first in all things. We are free to enjoy the bleesings of life, as long as we keep them subject to the Lord. Thanks, Daniel.
"Those who walk in pride, He is able to humble." (4:37)
It turns out there's an actual mental disorder called boanthropy which causes the sufferer to believe that he or she is a cow or ox. It can get so severe that physiological changes take place. Some "boanthropes," as they're called, actually grow coarse hair and thick nails as a result of the disorder. They are also known to eat grass, walk on their hands and knees, and moo like cattle.
Fascinating, right? I think this would be a great lesson for kids: Humble yourself and honor the Lord, or He will make you a cow-man. Ok, that's a stretch, but I do think it points out that God is willing to take away anything we put above Him in our lives. For Neb, it was himself. When he lost his mind, he had been admiring his kingdom and said to himself, "Is this not the great Babylon which I have built by my power and for the glory of my majesty?" (4:30) So what I've learned is this: the best idea for life is to keep God first in all things. We are free to enjoy the bleesings of life, as long as we keep them subject to the Lord. Thanks, Daniel.
"Those who walk in pride, He is able to humble." (4:37)
Enjoy your day-
Jared
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