LORD’S DAY, APRIL 29
Daniel 5:1-4
LUKE 12:1-29

“… Thou fool, this night thy soul
shall be required of thee …”

FEAST TO A THOUSAND

Today’s reading takes us into the royal banqueting hall of the most magnificent ancient empire of Babylon. Some idea of its splendour may be gained from the record of the historian Herodotus: “The city walls were 56 miles in circumference, 335 feet high and 85 feet wide. A large part of the city consisted of beautiful parks and gardens. The chief building was the famous temple of Bel.” The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Babylon was a deeply idolatrous city. The chief deity was Bel, the Sungod. The principal player in the drama recorded in today’s reading is Belshazzar which means “Bel protects the king.” We suppose that besides duties of state, Belshazzar also assumed religious responsibilities. On this festive occasion King Belshazzar threw a huge banquet for 1,000 of his lords: VIPs (Very Important Persons). To be invited by the king or president you have to be somebody important!

Have you ever been invited to dine with your country’s king, president or prime minister, where the nation’s dignitaries will be present? How did you (or how would you) feel? What if the occasion falls on the Lord’s Day, at the same time as your church worship service? What do you think is pleasing to your Lord?

THOUGHT: “… take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). Shall I?
PRAYER: Remind me, Father, that this world is not my home. Help me to live on earth as a citizen of heaven.