This devotional is the second of a 2 part series based on Dan. 5. “But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this.” (Dan 5:22-23) Poor Belshazzar. He has just witnessed the supernatural appearance of a hand that writes with its finger on the wall! He is frightened, to say the least! To the point that the Bible says: “His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way.” (Dan 5:6) He calls in his wise men, but to no avail. Finally, Daniel is summonsed.
Now, if you had read this story for the first time, you might wonder why God was so harsh on someone who was not His worshipper. I mean, we serve a merciful God. Why would he expect reverence from a pagan idol worshipper? I mean, wasn’t Belshazzar an innocent ignorant of God’s ways? But Daniel clears up this question. When Daniel is brought before the king, unlike the others in the room, he shows no fear.
Though promised riches for reading the words on the wall, Daniel pushes these aside. He begins his narrative by giving Belshazzar a history lesson, reminding him of how God had manifested Himself in the life of his father, Nebuchadnezzar (See Dan. 5:18-21). Then the history lesson turns into a rebuke: “But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this.” (Dan 5:22)
Why was Belshazzar judged harshly? Because he had already experienced God through his grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar! He had ample opportunity to learn about God, to learn to trust Him, even to learn to submit to Him. But he didn’t humble himself, though he knew all of this! My friends, those who have had no contact with God are given more chances. But when we’ve been made aware, it is our duty to obey the voice of the Lord!
Is there something God has been asking you to do? Something God has been asking you to let Him change in your life? Somewhere God has been asking you to go? Someone God has been asking you to speak to? Don’t be like Belshazzar, who despite knowing “all this”, did not humble himself before God. Do what God has asked you to do. Go where He has asked you to go. Speak to that person He has asked you to speak to. But above all, trust Him to work out all the details! Do not fall into the trap of Belshazzar, my friends! May it never be said of you, as it was of him, “But you . . . have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this.” (Dan 5:22-23) Love in Christ,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets ( www.scripturalnuggets.org ), Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org
(To access the entire “The Writing on the Wall” mini-series, please click here.)