The Writing on the Wall

Sometimes God speaks to us through messages. Remember Daniel 5, when God literally wrote a message on a wall? King Belshazzar was having a wonderful party, with lots of wine and merriment and lots of dishonor toward God.

All of a sudden, a hand appeared from thin air and wrote a message on the wall. The king was terrified. He offered some cool clothes and jewelry and a nice place of power in his kingdom to the person who could tell him what the writing meant. None of the wise men of Babylon could understand the writing, and King Belshazzar grew more afraid. Finally, the queen suggested that the king call for Daniel.

When Daniel arrived, the king offered him the cool clothes and jewelry and the place of power in his kingdom, but Daniel told the king he could keep his stuff. He made it clear that he was simply there to read the writing on the wall and interpret it for the king.

And so, Daniel proceeded to tell the king that he hadn't humbled himself before God, even though he knew that King Nebuchadnezzer was ousted from the throne for the very same thing. King Belshazzar did not honor God, so God sent a hand to write a message on the wall.

Daniel explained to the king that the message said that God had numbered the days of the reign of King Belshazzar and that his reign was over. He had been found wanting, and his kingdom was divided and given to two other kingdoms.

Belshazzar was slain and Darius the Mede began his reign over the kingdom.

So, God sent hands to write on walls in the Old Testament when He wanted to send a message to someone. What does He do now? I think sometimes he still writes on walls, but maybe not with an acutal hand...

The Tuesday after Daddy's funeral, Mom and I went to Pigeon Forge for a few days to rest in the peace and quiet. We walked into our condo, and one of the first things we saw was a wooden sign hanging on the wall that said, "Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!" 

Just what we needed to hear! I just love it when God sends us special "love notes" when we need some encouragement!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9