Calling and Purpose 49--Daniel Continues to Speak Truth to Power
[Read Calling and Purpose—Daniel and Captivity]
[Read Calling and Purpose—God Gives Daniel Wisdom and Courage]]
[Read Calling and Purpose--Daniel Speaks Truth to Power]
Fast forward several kings and about two decades’ time to Daniel Chapter 4. Daniel is still in the mix. A prince-regent (Belshazzar) is ruling in his father’s stead and decides to throw an opulent banquet for a thousand nobles—complete with plenty of alcohol. In the process of becoming inebriated, “king” Belshazzar drinks from the plundered Jerusalem temple goblets. “Suddenly”, a hand appears and writes on the wall something for which the king needs interpretation. The king is “terrified.” None of his “wise men” can tell him what this supernatural communication means.
In this moment, the queen (more likely the queen mother) remembers Daniel—and his reputation as a wise, insightful, interpreter of dreams and solver of “difficult problems”—and recommends he be summoned. Daniel is called before the king and promised “you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom” if he can provide the meaning of the writing on the wall.
All these years later, Daniel is still a truth-teller. Faithful to His God above all. Not intimidated nor swayed by power. Not even remotely responsive to being bribed nor rewarded for the truth. And, clearly not impressed with this indulged and indulgent prince regent. His response to the king is “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.”
The message Daniel delivers is essentially this: Your predecessor King Nebuchadnezzar was both placed in and removed from power by the Most High God. He was only restored to his throne when he acknowledged God as the True Sovereign over all the kingdoms of the earth. However, you, Belshazzar, knowing all this, have refused to humble yourself before this same Lord, instead taunting God’s holiness and worshipping inanimate idols. As a result, God will end your reign and give it over to the Medes and Persians.
In spite of this stern and alarming warning and reprimand, Belshazzar continues to party, commanding that Daniel be honored, promoting him to the position of “the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” We are then told: That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom…”
Reflect:
· It appears that we’ve gone from bad to worse in Babylonian leadership. Daniel is still living away from his country of origin—enduring the erratic kings and their representatives, perhaps six so far. When have you experienced a pattern of poor leadership in an organization—even in your church—where the sins of the past continue to be repeated?
· Are you “remembered” as a wise, insightful, problem-solver—not based on your human abilities but on God’s gifts to you and your faithful use of them?
· Are you committed to being a truth-teller? One who is faithful to the Lord above all? One who is not intimidated nor swayed by power? One who is not impressed with the world’s definitions or expressions of “success” that are really no more than narcissism and self-indulgence?
· Are you willing to speak truth to power even if it doesn’t result in a reward for you?
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Equipping Ministries Director at her church since 1999.
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