Week of February 12 (Daniel 5: The Writing on the Wall) (Copy)
As was described in our Sermon on Sunday, Daniel 5 zooms in on a specific day in history, October 12, 539 B.C. Previous to this story, the events seem to follow a similar trajectory. A message from God is interpreted by Daniel or his wise companions. The person receiving the message has an opportunity to turn from the path they have been on, to repent, and humble themselves before God. In this chapter, Belshazzar is given a message, but he has not placed himself in a position of humility, it’s quite the opposite. Belshazzar’s message from God is that he has been weighed, his scales have been found lacking, and his time is up. As presented in Proverbs 29:1 let us be mindful this week of our own Bablyonian influences–may our lives, set apart for holy purposes, be reflective of the kingdom we are from.
Monday, February 13
Over and over again, we see that Daniel lived such a good, devoted life for God. It’s easy to put him on a pedestal and see that his characteristic humility and obedience do not waver.
Today, let’s think about a story with contrasting elements that regardless point to God’s nature. Like Daniel, Jonah was called into God’s service to pass along God’s message. “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” Nineveh received a warning from Jonah and changed their behavior immediately. The king called for a fast... “Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” The Ninevite king was an example of repentance; the turning away from what was wrong. In Daniel 5, however, the king responded differently to God’s council.
Compare the actions of the Ninevites with the actions of the Babylonians. How are the kings’ responses different? What factors might be in play that lead to the differences?
Though Daniel and Jonah seem to have very different personalities and attitudes, consider how God uses both of them. In this case, I am reminded of my one kid who will comply and take care of chores pretty willingly and the other who will whine and fuss the whole time. Either way, the job gets done. What does this reveal about God? What does this show in regard to our own attitudes and actions in serving God?
Tuesday, February 14
In Daniel 5 we are introduced to a new ruler, Belshazzar. He was most likely the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar and had witnessed what the king had gone through when he did not acknowledge the one true God. During a great party, when Belshazzar actually took the gold goblets that had been stolen from the temple and gave them to his wives and concubines to drink from, a new warning was given to him that once again needed Daniel to interpret. Basically, the message said because he had not humbled himself before God, he was going down! Similarly, in Matthew 23, Jesus gives a warning to the Pharisees about their hypocritical behavior. In both of these accounts, these men had seen the truth of who God was, yet they chose to live for their own glory, power, and gain. Both were warned of the devastation that would come upon them due to their choices. Yet, in both cases, the warnings did not actually change their behaviors.
What are some of the warnings God offers to people in our world today about the consequences of their destructive actions? What are the differences between warnings for people who are Christians and those who are not? Why do we often make light of God’s warnings or refuse to change?
We know that God offers us grace, mercy, unconditional love, peace, hope, and eternal life through Jesus as we follow him. Yet, this is not where it ends. The Bible tells us that others will know us by the fruit we bear. Galatians 5:22-23 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” The Pharisees did not bear good fruit, and Jesus called them vipers, hypocrites, whitewashed tombs, and wicked. And these were church leaders! What are your thoughts on the idea that one of the reasons non-believers don’t want much to do with “religion” or church is because they have seen more of the “Pharisee” and less of the Fruit in them? How do we, as followers of Christ, change this?
Wednesday, February 15
King Belshazzar throws a massive party for the wealthy and powerful to show off his status. His arrogance throughout the party is apparent. Suddenly, he is reduced to abject, visible terror in full view of his guests. No matter how secure and in-control we may seem, everyone is afraid of something.
The phrase “the fear of the Lord” occurs throughout the Bible, and is associated with wisdom, knowledge, security, and blessing. This is different from the kind of fear Belshazzar experienced. As you read these verses, ponder on the difference between the two types of “fear.”
What do you think the phrase “the fear of the Lord” means and how is that different from the fear Belshazzar experienced?
How do our actions and attitudes reflect what we truly fear? To what degree can we control what we fear and how it affects us?
How would our actions and attitudes change toward our fears if we revered and trusted God as he asks us to?
Thursday, February 16
Daniel was the one God used to speak his truth to those in power. Yet Daniel did not want to be exalted or praised or rewarded for his obedience to God. He just wanted to do what God wanted him to do. Often, the king that called upon him for help went ahead and rewarded him anyway, but Daniel didn’t do it for those rewards. He wanted others to see and know the power of God and show that he was the one true God that all should turn to and worship. Daniel was an example of humility.
Even though Daniel worked for the king, his heart was God’s. In all he did, he wanted the honor and glory to go to God, and wanted nothing in return. In these verses from Matthew, we are reminded that where our treasure is, that is where our hearts are. Where are you laying up treasure? Do you rely too much on earthly treasure? How can you balance the needs of this earth without ignoring the treasure you need to store in heaven?
Daniel knew that God was God no matter where he was, and he was literally in captivity! God blessed him even in these circumstances, providing protection and fulfilling his needs. When we are in uncomfortable situations, it may be easy to forget this concept. What was a time, as with Daniel, when God blessed you and protected you while you were in an uncomfortable situation or circumstances, and you witnessed his power and protection in your life?
Friday, February 17
Daniel prophesies God’s judgment against Belshazzar in the paraphrased context of, “You knew better, but you didn’t act accordingly.” Nebuchadnezzar’s cautionary tale of arrogance, forced humility, and restoration should have been remembered by his heir. The kingdom should have heeded Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition and praise of God in Daniel 4:37. Ultimately, Belshazzar was found unready and unworthy when the kingdom needed him most.
Luke recounts a prophetic parable from Jesus with a similar theme. We have been given the truth of God’s nature and His redemptive plan. Not only that, but we have been given a responsibility in the plan – one that requires us to be prepared and watchful.
What responsibilities are implied with the knowledge that we have been given?
Daniel says that Belshazzar should have humbled himself. How does humility help us to be prepared and watchful?
Saturday, February 18
Thus far in the book of Daniel, Daniel weaves in and out of the stories. He is not the central figure. In an exciting contrast to other Biblical stories, we are brought right into the context of life in Babylon. In addition, we get to see what life is like for the people in power. Perhaps we can look at this as a version of reality television. We get this apparent insight into these celebrity lives from King Nebuchadnezzar who experiences some plot twists and drama in his life to his grandson Belshazzar who is on the verge of impending doom. With these “thrilling” events, two characters bring very different energy to Daniel 5, the Queen and Daniel.
How would you describe the Queen’s personality? Why would she have not been at the party? Consider her description of Daniel. Even though he was given a different name, she says, call Daniel. Why do you think she uses his Hebrew name?
Daniel is somewhere in the vicinity of the palace. He’s living his life and maintains his reputation. But, he’s also aware of the palace happenings.Though Daniel is offered riches and position he waves those aside and begins explaining the significance of the writing on the wall, before actually interpreting what’s there. How would you imagine Daniel spends his days? What is his life like?
How can we apply Daniel’s lifestyle to our own lives? If “this world is not our home”, how do we live in a way that makes it evident that we are set apart?