The Writing on the Wall
Belshazzar replaces
Nebuchadnezzar as King of Babylon in the storyline. Once again a disturbing
vision- this time a hand mysteriously appears leaving letters on a wall which
can only be interpreted by Daniel. They signal the end of the Babylonian era
and point to Belshazzar's imminent death, resulting in a takeover by the Medo Persian
Empire.
Daniel 5 addresses a
pride that not only ignores the proper use of power but also challenges its
divine source. Belshazzar threw himself a self centered party that grew with many
guests. As they started drinking wine from the temple vessels taken from
Jerusalem many years before they began worshipping other gods of gold, silver,
wood, iron - objects of creation but not the God of creation.
Here we meet a king
that was too proud to have learned from his forefather so it is not surprising
that Belshazzar did not acknowledge God. When the king called for Daniel, it was
clear that he knew his gods were of no use. Daniel the servant once again interprets
the vision and is once again honored because of his God given gift.
SESSION 5 - The Cost of Character
A Life of Exemplary Character (Pages 52-53, questions 2-4)
Daniel chapter 6 begins with Daniel being in his older years, maybe 70ish or so. He was one of the top three administrators to King Darius the Mede. Daniel continued to work diligently and responsibly and lived with a high level of integrity and character. No one was able to find any corruption in his many years in the king’s court or find fault in him for anything. Daniel was one of the few men in the Bible of whom nothing bad was spoken. Daniel held his convictions and honored God. He stayed true to what he believed no matter the consequences.
We discussed how our character, lifestyle and faith will stand the test of time. What are we showing to people in our lives - people we see each day in the work force, in our daily chores such as going to the store or post office? How are we greeting people or treating people? Are we holding convictions that honor God and letting our beliefs shape what we say and do.... even when no one is watching?
In Babylon the King’s rule was law in the Medo Persian Empire and when a law was made it could not be changed. The satraps and other government officials got together and talked the king into passing a decree stating that during a 30 day period anyone who prayed to another God or man besides the king would be thrown into the lion’s den. Even though Daniel knew of the decree he continued to pray three times a day because he had a disciplined prayer life and a love for God. The conspirators knew exactly when Daniel prayed and walked in on him while praying. Then quickly went to tell the king so Daniel would be convicted.
King Darius, who
loved Daniel, tried to save him but the decree could not be changed. That night
Daniel was placed in the lion’s den. In verse 16 the king tells Daniel, “May your
God, who you worship continually, protect you." That evening the king could not eat
or sleep. At dawn he went to the lion’s den and yelled down into the den, asking
Daniel if his God had protected him. Isn't
that odd! The King asked Daniel? If he had not believed in Daniel’s God he
would have thought him dead.
Daniel answers the king, "My God was faithful and sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O King." ( Daniel 6:22)
Unyielding Devotion to God (pages 54-55)
In accordance with questions 7 and 8 we moved on to discuss some spiritual disciplines or habits of faith that help us express our love and devotion to Jesus. Some that were mentioned were:
Devotions….
Prayer…
Reading the Bible…
Bible studies....
What are some of the spiritual disciplines in your own life?
Maybe you have some spiritual discipline you have wanted to develop but it seems difficult to get it going or keep it going. I would have to confess that mine would be memorizing verses. I have never been great at this but we discussed that our small groups could keep us accountable for the spiritual disciplines that we need to work on.
The king was overjoyed that Daniel was unharmed because he had trusted his God. Then King Darius issued a new decree which stated that people would fear and reverence the God of Daniel. Darius was acknowledging the dominion of the one true God.
The Power of a Witness (page 55)
Daniel’s willingness to die for what he believed became a witness to King Darius and the world. The word "martyr" literally means "a person who shows Christ's passion in life and death”. What are we showing the world? Like Daniel, are we willing - in life and death, to honor our God? A good question to ponder.
Written by Shari
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