Warriors Arise: February 24, 2021
Daniel 5:25-28 (NKJV) “And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
Do you find Belshazzar's reaction baffling? He hears what God has declared for his future and it isn't good. It is as if he said, "Oh, is that all it is?". Then he proceeds with giving Daniel something he clearly said he didn't back in verse 17.
Daniel 5:29 (NKJV) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Belshazzar probably wasn't used to people denying payment or recognition for their services. Daniel had done what the king wanted; therefore, a reward was due. The problem was that Daniel didn't want to be rewarded. He wanted the king to repent for his blasphemous treatment of the gold vessels crafted for God's temple. He wanted the king to remember what God had done to Nebuchadnezzar so he would not repeat the same sinful behavior. Nebuchadnezzar was full of pride and proclaimed that he alone brought the glory upon Babylon (Daniel 4:28). Daniel told Belshazzar of God's power to remove those He had given authority and restore those who have repented. But he didn't listen. He didn't acknowledge his sin against God.
The king, who moments before was shaking so terribly his knees were knocking (verse 6), now rewards Daniel for his service of interpreting the enigma.
Don't you think Daniel was hoping the king would repent, honor God, and see forgiveness like Nebuchadnezzar?
Why would Daniel go to all the trouble of telling about Nebuchadnezzar's experience with his own pride leading to removal from his kingdom?
If Daniel thought Belshazzar was lost, too far to repent, beyond correction, don't you think he would have come in, read the interpretation of the writing on the wall and be done?
If Daniel despised this king, why did he point out his error in order to make a way for him to know what he did wrong so he could repent?
I wonder if Belshazzar saw the pleading in Daniel's eyes, the gesture to repent, the concern in his tone. We tend to respond when we see someone's care for us. The king, who was unused to admitting he was wrong, responded with his duty to give what he had promised to the one who was able to do what he had asked. The power, authority, position of king held him captive to be human, admit his sin and repent.
Daniel didn't want to be acknowledged for reading the writing on the wall and it's interpretation. He wanted the king to repent for the error of his ways and honor God for the position he had been given.
Father, I ask for You to send your prophets to the authorities in our nation. I pray they would hear the plea for each one to repent and follow in the wisdom You offer each one. I pray You would give them ears to hear Your voice. I ask for each one to acknowledge what You have said, repent of their sinful arrogant ways, and make a change to govern according to Your wisdom and love. I pray You would give them eyes to see what You are doing. I ask for each one to embrace and join in what You want done here in America. I pray for Your truth to be known. I ask each one to hear the truth, see the truth, and make assessments according to Your truth. I pray for You to purify the vaccine for COVID. I pray You would restore the jobs that have been stolen from Americans. I pray for our righteousness to return to our government officials. I pray they would acknowledge You and live according to Your ways in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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