Among LionsSample

CONTEXT: After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, several men ruled Babylon. Belshazzar, the current king, holds a large banquet for a thousand of his nobles when a mysterious writing appears on the wall.

It’s been several years since King Nebuchadnezzar’s death. His descendant, King Belshazzar, is the new ruler of Babylon. Like Nebuchadnezzar, he, too, chose to disregard God and, in turn, trust magicians and fortune tellers. In fact, that’s who he initially calls on to translate a mysterious message that appeared on the wall during a lavish banquet.

While the king entertained one thousand of his nobles, he demanded that the gold and silver goblets King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem during his siege be brought in so he and his guests could use them. We’ll look at this in greater detail tomorrow. As the party continues, King Belshazzar notices a finger writing on the wall! Like Nebuchadnezzar, he summoned his magicians to explain. As before, they were unable to reveal the meaning. It’s then that the queen reminds Belshazzar about Daniel. He’s called to the palace, and once again, God allows him to interpret the meaning of the writing on the wall - MENE MENE - TEKEL - PARSIN, which predicted the king’s fall from power.

Yesterday, we saw that God gave Nebuchadnezzar opportunities to submit to His authority and make Him the Lord of his life, but his heart was unwilling. Now we see his descendant acted the same way.

History has a way of repeating itself, especially within families. Eventually, we start making excuses like “our family’s always been this way” in an attempt to minimize or excuse our behavior. Nebuchadnezzar ruled from a heart of arrogance and pride. Those same characteristics had been passed down, and now Belshazzar ruled Babylon in the same way.

It’s easy to cast blame. Self-reflection is much harder. Honestly assessing to see where our own actions, choices, character, and integrity might be lacking requires humility. Maybe your family history is tarnished, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow in their footsteps. God is a God of new beginnings! He gave His son Jesus to set the captives free…to set you free! By His grace, He can break the chains of your past.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Think back over your own family. Where do you see a history of disobedience that’s been passed down and now excused? (i.e., finances, pride, adultery, fear, addiction)

2. Consider your own life. Where do you feel bound to the past? What would it take for you to trust God to break the chains and set you free?

3. Write a prayer asking God to help you see any blindspots you may have regarding your own heart. Then, invite Him to bring freedom to those areas.