Monday, 1 April 2024

Daniel 5:17-24 – Courageous service

Daniel was not one to be swayed by other people's opinions or motivated by rewards. His only goal was to speak the truth. Because of this, he didn't hesitate to confront King Belshazzar when he sensed the king's subtle insult. 

 

Daniel assured the king that he would reveal the meaning of the mysterious writing on the wall. He began by recounting the experience of his father, Nabonidus (or Nebuchadnezzar III), and how God had to deal with his pride. 

 

Nebuchadnezzar claimed credit for his achievements, and God had to humble him by driving him to live like a beast for seven years. Only after that duration did Nebuchadnezzar realize that "the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes," and his sanity returned. 

 

Using Nebuchadnezzar's experience, Daniel rebuked Belshazzar for disrespecting the holy vessels taken from Jerusalem. Belshazzar and his companions drank wine from those sacred vessels while worshipping their silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone idols. Daniel reminded them that these idols were mere objects, unlike the Sovereign God.

 

Belshazzar's disrespect towards God was unacceptable as Belshazzar's life and every breath depended on God. Daniel revealed that this disrespect was the reason for the mysterious hand and writing on the wall. It is important to remember that showing reverence towards God is crucial. It can significantly impact one's life.

 

There is a lesson here for everyone who serves God. Like Daniel, we must be bold to present the truth as it is. We must not be motivated by bribes or cowed by fear into not truthfully fulfilling our God-given assignments. God Himself will be our exceedingly great reward. Just stay faithful in service.      

      

No comments:

Post a Comment