In Daniel 5 we
find another dramatic incident in the story of Daniel’s life. For me the key
line in considering the story is verse 22. Here we are reminded that King
Belshazzar was aware of the action described in the previous chapters. He knew
that his predecessor had discovered that the Lord was the Most High God. He would
have known about the men being saved from the furnace and Nebuchadnezzar being
deposed. And yet he chooses to live a life of pride and arrogance rather than
humility. The queen (footnotes suggest this could be translated as the queen
mother) speaks up when none of the king’s wise men could translate the writing
and we see that there is one person at least who remembers that Daniel had
insight and wisdom beyond himself. Whether she had spoken up before or was a
willing participant in the proud living of the king we don’t know.
Re-read the
first part of this chapter and think about the choices that the king makes
despite his knowledge of the past.
Spend some
time praying that God would help you live in the light of your knowledge of
him. Declare who He is; name some of His character traits. Chat to Him about
what you have to do today/this week/this month. Listen to anything He wants to
say to you to encourage you, guide you or challenge you. Give thanks that our
knowledge of Him can be shaped not only by the works of God the Father but also
by those of Jesus Christ - ‘God with us’ -
and the Holy Spirit present in us.
(member of the congregation)