So what happened? Lets just say a huge party, lots of drinking and a defiance of God. Unfortunately for King Belshazzar, God's judgment of him is accurate and quick. There before all at the King's Banquet, God's fingers write on the wall for all to see His statement on the King. MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN That October 11th, 539 B.C. - Babylon fell. |
Our Bible study for this week reviewed The Fingers of God ('Agent of Babylon' - by Dr. David Jeremiah) and we find that not learning from the past can be very costly. From the 5th chapter in the Book of Daniel, we learn that more than 25 years have passed since the events covered in chapter 4. There is a new King (Belshazzar) but an old problem. Anyone that you know that doesn't seem to learn? Yes Daniel (now an old man near 90) was summoned and offered the third seat of power but he declined; he was a man doing God's will and when he was asked what those words meant, he told the King that God had measured (MENE) and weighed (TEKEL) him (found lacking in moral and spiritual value), so the Babylonian kingdom would fall and be divided (UPHARSIN) by the Medes and the Persians. None of us want to be measured, weighed and found lacking. Yet we all have negatives but if we repent and work to pursue a life that pleases God, we will be blessed. Do you agree or see another path?
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This week we reviewed The Wolf-Man ('Agent of Babylon' - by Dr. David Jeremiah) and we find that his stumbles may not be too unlike what could happen to us. Consider the following . . . From the Book of Daniel for chapter 4 we learn that despite King Nebuchadnezzar's awareness of the power of God, he still could not keep himself from the sin of pride. How about us, guilty as well?
And remember: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." -Proverbs 16:18
No I am not making reference to Bernie Sanders or how our current presidential candidates may make you feel. I'm addressing the most difficult situation that any of us could be caught in some day. The 'what do you mean', relates to three men - once known in their youth as Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah - but now known to us as The Fire Men ('Agents of Babylon' - by Dr. David Jeremiah). From the Book of Daniel for chapter 3 we learn that these three (now men known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego) were a part of one of the greatest displays of Spiritual courage as shared in the Bible. The King had ordered everyone to bow down and to worship the golden (90 foot tall) idol, yet they would not. And he (the King) in his anger ordered that they were to be thrown alive into the King's fiery furnace. They understood what was expected and what the penalty would be, yet they stood by their faith.
" . . . Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God . . ." Isaiah 43: 1-3
Last week's message (below) was Part 1 from the Book of Daniel for chapter 2. This week we wrap up with Part 2 and the close on that chapter with a focus on The Colossus (another 'Agent of Babylon'). We learned that the King's nightmare can not be explained by anyone but by Daniel and the only way he is able to do so is by his faith and trust in God. But how does this help us today?
And remember: "Praise be to the name of GOD for ever and ever, wisdom and power are His." -Daniel 2:20
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AuthorHi, my name is Keith Gore and I encourage all to join in as we pursue this journey of men helping men to achieve the success they desire in faith, with their family, at work and with friends. The blogs are posted with the latest info first. Read through them to catch up on all the info shared and as always, comments are welcomed (and you may have some great insights to share). Archives
March 2024
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