the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Daniel 5:1-12
The time of Nebuchadnezzar had been marked by the persecution of the faithful (Daniel 3:1-30). That of his successor, Belshazzar, is characterised on the contrary by religious indifference, easy abundance and pleasure seeking. In the world’s history such periods recur; our "enlightened" and tolerant times closely resemble those of the impious Belshazzar.
In some countries believers are no longer persecuted. But God is offended in another way; we have a picture of it in this feast. The sacrilegious king is not afraid to have the holy vessels from the temple brought to adorn his table. The orgy is in full swing . . . when "over against the candlestick, upon the plaister of the wall" (cf. Numbers 8:2), a hand appears, writes some words and disappears . . . The king is as white as a sheet; his knees knock; the nobles are petrified. Which of his wise men will read the dreaded writing? (1 Corinthians 1:19). The careless and worldly prince does not know Daniel (cf. Exodus 1:8). But the queen-mother knows where to find him. She no more took part in the feast than did the prophet. Separation from the world and spiritual discernment go together.
God warns people of our generation less by mysterious events than by His plain Word.
