Daily Devotionals

Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place Week 5: Thursday

"You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself. Daniel 5:22

Past experience is one of the greatest teachers. When we look back on the past, we can learn from our mistakes, among many other things. We can learn not only from our past experiences but also from the experiences of others. We can watch or hear about others' mistakes and choose to live differently. Past experience helps us understand how and how not to live. Will we take steps to follow the advice we have learned from past experience? 

After a strange hand appeared and wrote a cryptic message on King Belshazzar's palace wall during a banquet, Daniel came to the king to interpret the writing on the wall. As he came to the king's palace, he chastised the king for his pride. First, he reminded him of the downfall of King Nebuchadnezzar, who came before him. Then, he reminded him that Nebuchadnezzar's pride had led to his great downfall and disgrace. Next, he said, "You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself" (verse 22). In other words, Daniel chastised the king for not learning from Nebuchadnezzar's past experience. He was still choosing to let pride take over instead of humility.

Belshazzar may not have learned from Nebuchadnezzar's past experience, but we can. We can choose to humble ourselves. We can choose to let go of pride and look to God instead. Pride leads us down a path that we never intended to go. Pride leads to humility, as is evident from Nebuchadnezzar's downfall due to pride. We know the negative ramifications of pride. The question is, will we take steps to let go of our pride?

Moving toward action

When making decisions, pastor and author Andy Stanley encourages us to ask, "Based on my past experience, my current circumstance, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?” What decision do you need to make today? Take a few minutes to answer the question posed by Andy Stanley. What is the wise thing to do based on your past experience, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams? After answering this question, choose to do the wise thing.

Going Deeper

Daniel 5:10-22

"But when the queen mother heard what was happening, she hurried to the banquet hall. She said to Belshazzar, "Long live the king! Don't be so pale and frightened. 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar's reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your predecessor, the king-your predecessor King Nebuchadnezzar-made him chief over all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers of Babylon. 12 This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."

13 So Daniel was brought in before the king. The king asked him, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles brought from Judah by my predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar? 14 I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within you and that you are filled with insight, understanding, and wisdom. 15 My wise men and enchanters have tried to read the words on the wall and tell me their meaning, but they cannot do it. 16 I am told that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. If you can read these words and tell me their meaning, you will be clothed in purple robes of royal honor, and you will have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

17 Daniel answered the king, "Keep your gifts or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means. 18 Your Majesty, the Most High God gave sovereignty, majesty, glory, and honor to your predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. 19 He made him so great that people of all races and nations and languages trembled before him in fear. He killed those he wanted to kill and spared those he wanted to spare. He honored those he wanted to honor and disgraced those he wanted to disgrace. 20 But when his heart and mind were puffed up with arrogance, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven from human society. He was given the mind of a wild animal, and he lived among the wild donkeys. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he learned that the Most High God rules over the kingdoms of the world and appoints anyone he desires to rule over them.

22 "You are his successor, O Belshazzar, and you knew all this, yet you have not humbled yourself."