Friday, April 22, 2011

Daniel 5

3 comments:

Unknown said...

"you praised the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood and stone... you did not honor God."

materialism is not the answer to a fulfilled life.

I find it interesting that Daniel refused payment from Belshazzar. This echoes something we have been witnessing as we read through the biography of William Carey and formerly George Mueller. All of these men trusted God to supply their needs, fully. Yet at many times they refused human help or payment that many would have just tacked it up to God's way of providing. But for these men, either the motives were wrong, or the giving was too much, too showy, too something, that they just knew in their heart that it would be lack of trust on their part to receive it. Another story comes to mind of Brother Andrew. He had not a penny to his name, and came across a silver dollar on someone's doorstep. He was tempted to pocket it but resisted temptation, rang the bell and asked if anyone had misplaced the coin. He was told to keep it. God provided, but not through dishonest means. All of these men were greatly rewarded for their lives of faith and trust and for refusing one means, they were provided answers to prayers in ways that brought even more glory to God.

"you have been weighed in the scales and found wanting." v27

Praise the lamb who takes away the sins of the world. HOw thankful I am that my sins will not be weighed in the balance, because Jesus took them upon himself and washed me of my iniquities through his redeeming blood. To stand clothed in righteousness before the God of heaven, what a great privilege is ours in Christ Jesus.

Berry Girl said...

I liked that too - that Daniel refused payment for his interpretation. I love that he was interested simply in giving the interpretation and that the payment mattered little to him. I think this action also gave more weight to his interpretation - that he was not doing it for the reward, like Belshazzar's other priests and interpreters.

I love your final thoughts there PC - I too am so thankful.

Unknown said...

such a great Easter thought, that, isn't it? So glad you weighed in today. I love rubbing shoulders with you here.