Daniel 5:5-12 – Be sure to build an impactful life and ministry.

When King Belshazzar saw the mysterious writing on the wall, he nervously yelled for his wise men—the magicians, conjurors, Chaldeans, and diviners—to interpret its meaning. However, when they were brought before him, they could not explain the meaning of the handwriting on the wall, leaving the king and his guests confused and anxious.

Fortunately, one person knew of someone who could do it. Verse 10 refers to her as the queen. Who is this queen? It is believed that she was not Belshazzar's wife. If she were, she would have been present at the banquet. Many thought that she was the wife of Nebuchadnezzar II. She quickly pointed out Daniel's expertise and recommended him to the king.

She knew of Daniel's abilities, as her husband had previously appointed him to lead the group of wise men. Daniel was known for his extraordinary spirit, knowledge, insight, and ability to interpret dreams, solve complex problems, and explain enigmas. Daniel, she said, was known by his Babylonian name, Belteshazzar. So, the ground has been prepared for Daniel's grand entrance. Confidently, the queen recommended that he be brought to unravel what Belshazzar sought to know.

What do we learn from these verses? They tell us we will always maintain usefulness when we remain faithful in our ministry. People always remember a ministry that they have been impacted by. We will be remembered for our effectiveness. Seek to be effective for God. In a poem, C.T. Studd eloquently points to what we must do with our lives.  

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, yes, only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God's holy will to cleave;

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfil,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score,

When the self would seek to have its way,

Then help me, Lord, with joy to say,

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Give me, Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow, Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Oh, let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, yes, only one,

Now let me say," Thy will be done";

And when at last I'll hear the call,

I know I'll say "twas worth it all";

Only one life 'twill soon pass,

Only what's done for Christ will last."