SCRIPTURE: Daniel 5:1-16
OBSERVATION:
This banquet was probably an orgiastic affair. Belshazzar attempts to mock the God of Israel by using the temple goblets. God uses this occasion to bring glory to Himself, to humble the king and to use his servant Daniel. The bodyless hand must have been frightening! Though they do not understand Daniel or God (“the spirit of the holy gods in him”), they do sense the difference in him.
APPLICATION:
Once again we see that the Lord is at work outside of the ‘church’. His purpose is always to bring glory to Himself, to humble people and to use His servants for good. Are there community, political or national events that He is using right now, where we can step up to speak/serve for Him? This is a reminder to me that the Lord is at work everywhere – in bars, casinos, strip clubs, lodge meetings, euchre games, demolition derby’s, fairs, beauty contests, etc., and our task is to be present and demonstrate the Lord’s love there. People will sense the difference in us, if we have committed to Jesus as our Lord… and will ask us the reason for the hope that lives in us (1 Peter 3:15-16).
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to see that You are present and active all around me, and that I don’t have to go to a church building to experience You. Forgive me for missing You all around me, and help me to be present and available in my community for those times when you want me to speak for You. Amen.
As the leader of the people go, so go the people. The king was doing what was right in his own eyes until the Lord opened his eyes to see His word written upon the wall. In but a moment, the proudest can fall. The inner turmoil can inflict great pain. Many also today struggle with their thoughts, rather than just their physical pains. When we struggle, where do we find relief? Daniel had been forgotten. The road to salvation was not seen, because the people were enjoying the moments of happiness. ” They have eyes but do not see.”
Lord, help me to be a living witness of the happiness people may have in Christ Jesus. Help me to show the road to salvation to all those around me as I live in kingdom service each and every day. Help me to be a living testimony – an epistle read by all – of the joy of the Lord my Saviour.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.