How God humbles prodigals: A Nebuchadnezzar experience

In Daniel chapter 4, God gives King Nebuchadnezzar a disturbing dream. We can see immediately that he is operating as a prodigal because he is seeking interpretation everywhere except from the Holy Spirit. If he had the Holy Spirit, he would have been able to discern what the dream meant, but instead, he turned to magicians, astrologers, and wise men of the world. Yet even in his rebellion, God is still speaking to him. This dream was a warning. God warns prodigals before judgment, giving them space to turn and repent, but Nebuchadnezzar was too proud to humble himself.

Like Nebuchadnezzar, a prodigal often does not have the right people around them. They are usually surrounded by others who are also in sin. Scripture tells us that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33), and can two walk together unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3). The voices around them cannot offer godly counsel because they are blind themselves. Still, God always places a destiny helper in your spouse's midst. In Nebuchadnezzar’s life, that helper was Daniel. In your spouse’s life, it may be a friend, a family member, a stranger, or even someone online. God can use anyone.

Daniel interprets the king's dream; he highlights that the king was great, strong, fruitful, and influential. This shows us that Nebuchadnezzar was once operating in God's favour before pride took over. In my case, my spouse had achieved a leadership position at a fairly young age, something that usually takes many years to reach. God had favoured him in that area. His identity slowly became wrapped up in his success. God had to touch the very thing that fed his pride. That job was taken away through circumstances that led to dismissal and accusation. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

In Daniel 4:30, the King says, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the Kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty". God waited until Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself fully before humbling him.

Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from men and made to dwell with the beasts. This mirrors the story of the prodigal son. It does not mean literal animals, but reckless, wild living, a descent into animalistic behaviour where the heart becomes hardened and cold. God does this by giving them over to their pride and the lusts of the flesh, as Romans 1:24 tells us.

Daniel 4:23 tells us that the king would be in this condition "till seven times pass over him" This means that judgment was at an appointed time, and it was for an appointed time. Judgment was never meant to be forever. God already knew the moment the king would come to his senses. In the same way, God knows when your spouse will reach the point where the lifestyle becomes exhausting.

While in Judgement, God brings them to remembrance of what they once had. The relationship may not have been perfect, but it was far better than in the world, which is like a jungle full of people who do not truly care for them. There is no real love outside of home, only temporary pleasure. When the appointed time was fulfilled, his understanding returned. God had taken it, and God restored it. This shows us that God was in control the entire time. The king came to fear the Lord, acknowledging that God does whatever He pleases. That reverence is what prodigals need to truly repent and return with a changed heart.

God showed me my spouse’s judgment almost a year before we separated, although at the time, I did not understand what I was seeing. We were still married and very much in the Job season of our marriage. Judgment is often revealed ahead of time as a warning, either to the prodigal themselves or to someone standing in the gap for them.

This is what encourages me most. God knows exactly what to touch in a prodigal’s life to get their attention.

This should encourage anyone standing for marriage restoration. Prodigals will be humbled and restored.

With Love,

Victoria