Why the Warning?

Warriors Arise: February 5, 2021

Daniel 5:17 (NKJV) Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

Was this unexpected? Sometimes we can read along in our Bible, take in the information but we do not think about what kind of response we would have expected. When we read through Scripture a little bit slower and visualize how the event unfolded we pick up some more details.

Daniel was not here to entertain the king nor did he want to be associated with people who are grappling for a position. He was secure in his position and didn't need the kings wealth to make him wealthy. The king had not taken the time to value Daniel before this moment, so this isn't a friendly, trusted moment. He didn't allow the king's offer to deter him from doing what the king asked and what God had sent him to say.

This king did not know Daniel before nor of Daniel until moments before he arrived before him. Even though Daniel remained unmoved by the opportunity of riches and rank, he did not let that change the message God had positioned him to deliver.

How about you? Has God sent you to speak to someone or maybe they sought you out and now you are in a position to tell them something but you know it is going to hit hard. If you had thoughts of a friendship with this person before, they are now gone by how God has positioned you to tell them exactly what He is saying to them. And it isn't a happy, feel good moment. To apologize after you give the word would be to undermine what God has said. You are put out there to deliver the word. Then you wonder why even toss the seed of wisdom, direction, correction if they are not ready to receive it?

Sometimes people want to think they will still get a good behavior pass. Some how what they have done, how they acted, will be removed without them seeking to make things right, without confession of their behavior, sin and wanting to make things right. When this happens, does it not astound you? It reminds me of a movie, Ever After. The stepmother has been evil to Danielle. While the stepmother and her daughters are eating breakfast she says, "Nothing is final until you are dead and even then, I'm sure God negotiates."

I remember the first time I watched the movie and heard her say that! Shows how little she knows about God, but it's why she feels she can be so evil. God is not one to be toyed with. He will not be manipulated. We will not be in a position to make requests or demands. Because of His holiness, I am not even sure we will have the strength to stand. I believe we will know and respond by kneeling or even laying prostrate on the ground like when Joshua recognizes the Lord of Hosts (Joshua 5:13-15). I'm not sure people grasp how holy and righteous God is; therefore, they can't imagine how they are going to respond.

Daniel is not being arrogant to reject the riches and position the king is offering. He is not there to be friends with the king. He will honor the king, but God had him deliver a serious judgment. Why would this king be any different than his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar? Daniel gave him a word and he was rewarded but Nebuchadnezzar did not heed the word. And Daniel was not Nebuchadnezzar's first experience with God. His grandson, Belshazzar has had nothing to do with Daniel. He doesn't know who Daniel is. He doesn't know how God used him. Daniel has been summoned but has no connection with the king.

When you are alive is the time to make things right with God. I do not know any reason why God would warn Belshazzar about what was going to happen except that God is giving him one more chance to repent, confess his sin and arrogance, so he could have a second chance. God is merciful. Sometimes the warning seems pretty harsh, but if we listen, repent, and change then in life there are better possibilities for us.

Why did God make such display? Because Belshazzar would not listen to all the other times God tried to reach out to him. What finally got his attention? A man's fingers writing the wall, no body, not arm, no hand. Just a man's fingers writing something nobody in the room could read. Nobody understood what happened. Nobody had an answer.

Why does God give us a warning? So we will repent. He did the same thing for Cain and Solomon and several others. He wants us to choose to repent of our sins, change our ways and live in the fullness of what He has for us.

Father, I ask for You to come. I am bothered by so many who continue to die from the coronavirus. I pray in the name of Jesus for those who are still fighting the disease to receive Your touch of healing. I pray they would recognize You are there and would reach out to take Your hand. I pray for people to soften their hearts in Your presence. I ask for arrogance to go in Jesus name and humility to come. I pray they would not accept the tragedies of their death and reach out to receive Your healing touch. I pray for minds to be restored and life to be lived to the fullest. I pray for Christians to be filled with Your love and compassion as they reach out to the proud and arrogant. I ask for Your compassion to flow through each one of us as we speak love and healing over their lives. I pray they would turn to You and receive a new life, the life You desire for them to live. I pray they would welcome the change of life and live their testimony out loud for You in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.