FRIDAY, MAY 4
Daniel 5:13-17
Titus 1:7-9

“Holding fast the faithful word
as he hath been taught …”

NOT FOR GIFTS AND REWARDS

In his hour of crisis, the high and haughty Belshazzar sent for Daniel, the exile captive. His opening sentence seems to suggest that this was his first meeting with Daniel. “… Art thou that Daniel …?” (Dan 5:13). Whitcomb commented: “It seems highly unlikely that Belshazzar had never personally seen Daniel before. But men do have an amazing ability to ignore completely the things that do not interest them … After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel may have been demoted from his high position. Thus, instead of referring to him as ‘chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon’ (2:48), Belshazzar speaks of him simply as one ‘of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of  Jewry’ (Dan 5:13). Perhaps Belshazzar himself had demoted him; but now, in the hour of his deepest need … he calls upon Daniel’s reputed skills as an interpreter of dreams.”

One may be an exile, a captive, a servant, a mere nobody, but what a tribute for another to say, “… the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee … that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts …” (Dan 5:14, 16). The wise King Solomon says: “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies …” (Prov 8:10-11). Now Daniel the man of God had the Spirit of God. He had the gift of interpretation of dreams. He had supernatural understanding. The king offered him rich rewards, but Daniel could not be bought or bribed. His service was above any material consideration. After all, the gift was from God, so he was different from all the court magicians who made their money out of their occult skills.

Let us learn a lesson, especially God’s servants: God’s gifts must not be made into merchandise. “Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing …” (Dan 5:17).

THOUGHT: Daniel eventually accepted the king’s reward. Why?
PRAYER: May my pastor feed the flock willingly, and not for filthy lucre.