THE LORD SPOKE (December 02)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Daniel 5

“The hand-writing on the wall.” Since this occasion in Daniel 5, it has become a proverbial statement to indicate the inevitable outcome of certain activities if pursued without due consideration. The new king of Babylon had committed himself to a lifestyle and course of action that was headed for certain trouble. If he’d paid attention in history class, he should have known that.

Belshazzar, who’s name means “Bell, protect the king!” was in need of some major protection. Though he was the son of Nebuchadnezzar (vs. 22, the Hebrew term could mean “descendant” in this context), it is apparent that Nebuchadnezzar didn’t pass his own lessons very far down the line. The spiritual lessons of chapter 4 didn’t make it to chapter 5.

There were several people in that banquet hall who did remember. Instead of reveling, they should have been repenting. All the “wise men” owed their very lives to Daniel and to previous lessons like that recorded in chapter 2. Most of the party-goers had seen or at least heard of the events of chapter 3. For sure, the humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4 - their king eating grass like an animal - was fresh in their memory. What part of “pay attention” didn’t they understand?

To make matters worse, Belshazzar thought his wealth and power could buy peace and tranquility. Like Peter with Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:20), Daniel’s response to the offer of money is “keep your filthy lucre” (see Dan. 5:17). He then proceeds to repeat the history class that Belshazzar had disregarded with such impunity (5:18-21). Before the bell rings, Daniel draws the conclusion and drives home the application:

1. You must acknowledge that the Most High God is sovereign (vs. 21; c.f. 4:17,25,32).
2. He will not tolerate pride (vs. 20,22). Did you get that? HE WILL NOT TOLERATE PRIDE.
3. You must humble yourself and honor God “who holds in his hand your life and all your ways” (vs. 23).

Would you like to borrow Belshazzar’s notes from that history class you missed? Or, are you going to pay attention in class yourself?


Proverbs 2

Wisdom (following God’s way) will save you from the ways of wicked men (Prov. 2:12f) and from the ways of adulterous women (Prov. 2:16f). Victory is promised to the one who sets his course by God’s compass. The Lord has given His word that He will be a shield and protection for those who are faithful in walking in His way (Prov. 2:7-8). That’s a mighty promise!

The beginning of Proverbs 2 gives us some descriptive and prescriptive instruction on just how to do this:

vs. 1 - We must accept His words and store up His commands. This indicates teachability and the intent to obey. Without this attitude of openness, instruction is not effective.

vs. 2 - We must turn our ear and apply our heart to His Word. This calls for mental discipline. There must be active effort on our part. We must turn toward and stay focused on His instruction.

vs. 3 - We must call out for it and cry aloud for His truth. This shows how very important is a prayerful dependence upon Him. We need to verbalize our heart-felt confidence in Him alone to keep us in His path.

vs. 4 - We must look for and search for His treasures. It takes diligent perseverance to dig it out. Some are laying on the surface and quite easy to find, but the rich veins go down deep. We need to dig deeper.

It brings rich dividends. God’s way is pleasant and secure and so much better than what the world has to offer. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

For wisdom will enter your heart,
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
And understanding will guard you. (Prov. 2:10-11)