King Belshazzar grew up in his
father’s home and probably lived many years as an adult before his father passed
away and he took over. He therefore knew everything that had happened with his
father as Daniel had rightly put it in Daniel 5:22: “But you
his son,
O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this.”
He knew everything his father had gone through, heard his father glorifying the
Lord, especially after the Lord had restored him from his humbling experience,
yet in spite of knowing all this, he sought the wide road – the power and the flamboyant
lifestyle.
Daniel, on the other hand, was
testified to by the queen, who also knew everything Nebuchadnezzar had gone
through, as follows: “‘O king, live forever!’ she said. ‘Don’t be alarmed!
Don’t look so pale!
There is a man in your kingdom who
has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found
to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King
Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king, I say—appointed him chief of
the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. This man Daniel, whom the king called
Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding,
and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult
problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means,’”
(Daniel 5:10-12).
When Belshazzar mentioned to Daniel
that he “will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck,
and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom,” (verse 16)
Daniel almost abruptly waved it off: “You may keep your gifts for yourself and
give your rewards to someone else,” (verse 17). Note that Daniel didn’t express
the usual respect that a king should be addressed with, since he knew that
Belshazzar showed no respect to God.
Both these men had several
encounters with the Lord along their lives and both had the opportunity to
decide which way they will follow – the way of God or the way of Mammon.
Whereas Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the hard way, there was no reason for
Belshazzar to follow the same path. By the time he was an adult, he certainly
had his good share of being introduced to the power of God. During his forming
years his father was challenged by Daniel and his friends’ dedication to the
Lord and Belshazzar saw the power of God in action. He therefore had the option
to follow in his dads converted lifestyle, yet he chose what he chose.
Daniel, however, was tempted many a
time to become like Belshazzar had turned out in the end, but he had his mind
made up that he will serve the Lord. He had to sacrifice a lot of things that
appeal to his sinful nature and that would have made life quite pleasurable to
his flesh, but he saw something much better – the power of God in action - and
he enjoyed the privilege to hear the Lord’s voice, have insight in the Lord’s
ways and to be used by the Lord in a powerful way.
With whom of these two men do you
identify? How many of us are in the position Belshazzar was in. We are used to
a comfortable lifestyle, but know in our heart of hearts that we should
actually sacrifice it for a godly and self-sacrificial lifestyle for the sake
of the Kingdom of God, if we want to have a treasure in heaven. “Jesus
answered, ‘If
you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you
will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,’” (Matthew 19:21).
Daniel did it and the Lord rewarded
him with lots of spiritual riches and even a comfortable physical life. He had
all these revelations and worked the miracles recorded in the book of Daniel.
Even Nebuchadnezzar had revelations from the Lord once he had been humbled.
Do you want to live a life of earthly
power and glory, which you receive from humans, or would you prefer to see God’s
glory, wisdom and power in action in your life? Not so long ago my online
poetry and short stories resulted in me receiving much praise from people,
causing me to neglect my spiritual gift and get quite puffed up; ending up in
sin. I had to decide between using my talent for the Kingdom or for my own
benefit. Now I don’t receive praise from people anymore, but the Lord does encourage
me, I receive much revelation and my heavenly treasure awaits me.
Lord, I want you to be pleased with
me.
Thank you Lord that your Word went
out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you
empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which
you sent it.
Please pass this on if you think others may
benefit by it.
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