MOCKING GOD IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA

The Book of 'Daniel' just keeps getting better and better. Better in an entertaining sense but if you are one of those who think the stories of the Old Testament have a message for us today maybe better is not the best way to look at what we find. I spoke yesterday about the saga of King Nebuchadnezzar and how he had been turned into a blathering idiot, sent to the fields and woods to live, eat and talk to the animals until he recognized and acknowledged Daniel's God to be the only God and sovereign.

Today in the very next Chapter 5, we find his successor to be even dumber and more disrespectful of God and as a result suffered a much worse fate. Now by either peaceful succession, coup or simple luck this dude named Belshazzar had followed old Neb to the throne. From the story, much like today, it is apparent history was not a mandatory subject in the school for Kings in those days.

Kin Belshazzar either didn't know or didn't care about his predecessor being turned into a mindless, grass eating creature at God's direction. This man was so ignorant of God Almighty he doubled down on his lack pf respect for Daniel's Living God. He took, for his own pleasure, the gold and silver tableware which Nebuchadnezzar had taken in an earlier plunder of the Temple of God. He brought out the Holy utensils to impress his wives, concubines, idol worshiping fraternity brothers and heathen neighbors. While whooping it up, drinking from the Holy tableware and grovelling around like animals a human like finger appeared and started writing on the wall. Much like Nebuchadnezzar, the current King Belshazzar called for his own Physic Network and Company to interpret the writing on the wall. Again promises of riches untold were made to anyone who could tell him what the writing meant. Once more as in years past the Physics were stumped, they immediately recommended Daniel, a man they described as one possessed with 'divine knowledge'. (I wonder what these guys were getting paid for?)

Once again Daniel is summonsed and offer the same riches and perks offer first to the inside Physics to read the message left by the floating finger. Daniel after seeing the message politely refused the bounty offered for his services. With King Nebuchadnezzar I got the feeling Daniel was a little hesitant to give Neb the message, but here he seemed to enjoy breaking this news to Belshazzar.

Four words were written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL PARIN

MENE—Numbered, as in King Belshazzar your time is up.

MENE-- 'in case you didn't understand the first time.

TERKEL--- Weighed, as in your have been weighted on the balance and failed the test.

PARSIN—Divided, as in your Kingdom has been divided.

Now how King Belshazzar and his house guest took this is not recorded, but we do know that very night King Belshazzar was killed and his Kingdom divided.

It is never a good idea to mock and dishonor our GOD. (we really need to get this out)