King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is an example of an invitation received and accepted. We know that the invitation was not accepted at first. In fact, every manifestation of God’s power and presence were denied, including the most obvious example when Christ walked among the flames of the fiery furnace with the three worthies. Repeatedly, Nebuchadnezzar rejected the extended invitation until God, in His mercy, took from Nebuchadnezzar all that he had, including his senses.
“They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” Daniel 4:25
For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a beast, no longer a king, with no subjects, eating grass in the field. And then, his reason was restored and Ellen White says:
“[L]ooking up in humility to the God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. …
“God’s purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.” Conflict and Courage, 253
Brought to see his own weakness, he acknowledged the supremacy of God.
“ ‘At the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. And He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou? … Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the king of heaven, all whose works are truth and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.’ ” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, 186
“King Nebuchadnezzar, before whom Daniel so often honored the name of God, was finally thoroughly converted, and learned to ‘praise and extol and honor the King of heaven.’ ” The Review and Herald, January 11, 1906
“The king upon the Babylonian throne became a witness for God, giving his testimony, warm and eloquent, from a grateful heart that was partaking of the mercy and grace, the righteousness and peace, of the divine nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 13, 1904
Lord, You have extended this same invitation to the whole world. You loved the people of this world so much that You gave Your life for us and promised to save us from our sins. Two thousand years ago You said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Help us not to leave the invitation unopened. Let us accept it with joyous hearts and then extend it to all with whom we come in contact.