Daniel 5
As a salesperson, I was always taught that the next best thing after getting a “YES” was to get a quick no. Getting a no after a lot of time and work wastes all of that effort and kills time that you can’t get back. A quick no allows you to move on and find the next yes. I find it very interesting that after the slow burn and compassionate discipline shown to Nebuchadnezzar during the first 4 chapters of Daniel, we move into one that cuts right to the quick.
Daniel 5 is the opposite in so many ways to chapter 4. Belshazzar is parading around with the entitled position he has as king, showing that he learned nothing from his father’s experience. After using the vessels from the temple, a hand shows up and writes a foreboding message on the wall that scares Belshazzar and his friends. After his magicians can’t interpret it, his queen recommends bringing Daniel out of retirement. The king does and Daniel’s message is harsh. Despite the rewards he gave Daniel, the king would die that very night and the kingdom handed over to the Mede Empire.
I am intrigued with how drastically different this chapter is compared to the last one. God showed such amazing patience and gentleness with Nebuchadnezzar, it is shocking how direct and clearly he cut down his son in his prime. Was it really about using the sacred cups? Yes, but more than that – the writing was on the wall. Belshazzar was never going to submit – God, who knows all, knows what will happen – and He treated people individually. Nebuchadnezzar, despite how evil he was, turned around. Belshazzar didn’t. This story shows how Daniel responded differently in different situation and gives us a few more characteristics of a loyally subversive servant of God.
Loyal Subversives are Always On-Call (Daniel 5:11-12)
It’s telling that Belshazzar had to be reminded of Daniel – all the work he did for his father was not top of mind to him – that means that Daniel had gone off to do other things and spend his time with other people that God led him to. To Daniel, it was never about the position, but about the personal influence over people that God placed in Daniel’s life. God does offer a retirement plan, but it’s not here…we don’t “retire” until we see Jesus face to face (Phil 1:6) – if you’re alive, the work in you isn’t complete. There is no retirement plan in kingdom living.
Loyal Subversives Avoid the Game (Daniel 5:17)
Daniel never looked for personal gain or power – in fact, if he didn’t need to be involved (Daniel 3), he wasn’t; to him, it was never about the position, it was about doing what God called him to do. He wasn’t looking for payment. Daniel didn’t “play the game” in business or in politics. If you make it anywhere, you are going to have to owe someone something. Daniel wasn’t interested in being someone’s lackey, only in serving. It’s one thing if God opens a door big enough to walk right in and you fulfill the season of ministry and then step back out – it’s another to seek to be a part of the game.
Loyal Subversives Follow the Spirit (Daniel 5:24-28)
Belshazzar’s sin doesn’t seem like a big deal, certainly considering all the stuff his father did. We have seen Daniel handle many situations and they are all different. There is no one way to respond to everything. One issue (or sin) doesn’t automatically garner one specific response. Two things to note. First, with every situation we encounter, we must be sure to follow the Spirit’s lead. Some time may require compassion and gentleness, others might need “tough love”. Second, we need to understand that what’s important isn’t the outward sin, but as Daniel shows, we should focus on the heart condition underneath.
Next Steps
Daniel’s reaction is basically the opposite of what it was previously – this shows us the importance of looking at each situation individually and follow the lead of the Spirit—He knows what He is doing. Here are some ways to put this into practice this week.
- Don’t take yourself out of the game, and if you have, put yourself back in. Consider Billy Graham. He never retired, but stayed faithful to work until called home.
- Don’t seek rewards. Look for ways to keep the left hand unaware – not only with your giving, but also with your serving.
- Practice listening to the Spirit – John 10 – only by spending time with God can we become more sensitive to His leading.
A good basketball player is known for being able to bob and weave – move around with or without the ball and “create space” in order to score. There is no one way to deal with a sin, or a situation, or a person. We simply have to walk carefully and trust the Spirit.
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