SEPTEMBER 20, Daniel 5:10-17

Yesterday we read that King Belshazzar saw the fingers of a man’s hand writing on the wall. It was a very frightful thing to witness and tremendous fear gripped the proud king. His whole expression and mood changed. He was very troubled and his knees kept shaking and knocking against each other.

As did Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar gathered all the wise men of Babylon to interpret the writing but none of them could read or understand the message. He dangled rewards of riches and promotion before them, but that didn’t make them any wiser! As a last resort, Daniel was called before king Belshazzar. The queen remembered Daniel as one who had “the spirit of the holy gods” and the “wisdom of the gods”. She told Belshazzar that Daniel who could interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams would also be able to interpret the writing on the wall.

Then Daniel was called and brought in before the king. Belshazzar dangled the same rewards of riches and power before Daniel. Daniel could have easily accepted it and continued to give the interpretation. If someone were to offer you lots of money or rewards for a task that you know you can do well, would you not do the task and at the same time take the reward?

Daniel was very clear that his calling as a wise man in the king’s court was given by God. Therefore, his allegiance was to God first. He served to please and glorify God alone and not for filthy lucre, promotion, fame, or any worldly gain. Daniel’s service was not dependent on rewards. He made that plainly clear to Belshazzar by refusing the gifts and promotion. What motivates you in your daily living? Are your motivations pure or do you have any hidden agenda?

Which of the statements below are examples of impure motives?

Do things in order that people will notice me
Study hard so that I can win a scholarship and study overseas

Be successful in life so that I can feel good about myself

Thought: Daniel’s calling was from God and not man.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, search me and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. I pray that I will serve You with pure motives to please and glorify You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.