Daniel 5:16-17
Now I have heard
that
you are able to give
interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If
you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain
placed around your neck, and
you will be made the third
highest ruler in the kingdom.” Then Daniel answered the king, “You may
keep your gifts for yourself
and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing
for the king and tell him what it means.
Daniel once again called to explain a dream; a mystery
that the Lord had given King
Belshazzar.
First it was Nebuchadnezzar's dream; a king who's advisers
could not tell him what was troubling him. Here comes Daniel, a young man, in exile, under a new ruler, called to
stand
before the king. We know that Daniel prayed;
also asked his friends to join him, known to
us as the three Hebrew boys.
They prayed and called on the Lord for Mercy, seeking the Face of
God
for wisdom, insight and revelation
(Daniel 2:17). God was Faithful! We read Daniel was placed in
a high position and lavished with gifts; made ruler over many (Daniel 2:48).
We now see a new king on the horizon;
once again, we see "men" in high positions with a total disregard for the King of Kings; no respect, honor or fear for the God of Heaven and Earth. So as King Belshazzar is drinking away
with his circle of friends, he asks that the "sacred articles" be used for an "ordinary occasion" He takes that which was set aside for the Lord's House,
the Lord's service, and uses it
to "puff himself"
as he parties
with his nobles. Is there no fear, Belshazzar? God is the one who deposes kings and raises
up others (Daniel 2:21). So as the scriptures tell us; this mighty
king, drops to his knees (now he's trembling with fear) as he sees the writing on the wall (Daniel 5:6)
Daniel once again interprets God's message. But this time he refuses the "gifts".
Why?
The first time around he was promoted by God to
a high position, so why not take the purple robe and the gold chains too? I don't know if I can fully answer that question.
Daniel
has seen one king after another
have total disregard
for his Lord. He knew that
it was God who had delivered him into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, to
Babylon; and it was God who had preserved
him. He saw Nebuchadnezzar lose his mind, crawl and eat like a wild beast. Fear was in Daniel's heart. He knew whom he served.
A subliminal message to
the current king and all to come. I, Daniel serve the Lord. No
gifts can turn my heart against the Lord; no royal offerings can manipulate the "insight
and revelation"
the Lord has given me.
No threat can cause me to
bow
my knee to anyone or
anything. Tell me not to pray and I will open my window and pray three times a day and call on the Name of my God (Daniel 6:10) You can keep your gifts
(Daniel 5:17).
I Daniel
have been set aside for the Lord’s
use, a sacred "article"
if you will. I don't mingle with the common and I am not your entertainment. I am the Lord's anointed used for his sole purpose, for the Glory and Praise of His Name alone! Educate
me in the way of
the Chaldean, but my heart is sealed with
the Truth of God. Threaten me with death, throw
me in the den, keep your meat & wine, for I will not defile myself.
I fear God more than man (Matthew 10:28).
I Liz (place your name),
am the Lord's anointed! Help me God to be faithful to you. Use me for the Glory and purposes
of your Kingdom. Continue
to teach me Lord, I am listening. Though
I have failed
at time, I pray for your continued
hand upon my life; that I may hear the still small voice of
my God, obey and follow your instructions.
God bless you!~Liz www.lizrod.com
