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Reading the Writing on the Wall
Daniel 5:20-22, 24 'But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory … until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes. But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this … God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.'(NIV)
 When Belshazzar and his hard-partying guests saw a mysterious handwriting on a wall, they freaked. It wasn't just the hand part that got them; it was the fact that they couldn't read the message. If a supernatural hand writes something on a wall in front of you, you'd better believe that it's going to be important to you. But they couldn't see the relevance of the words on the wall. In fearful desperation, they asked Daniel to interpret what it all meant. His answer showed the three essential parts of a truly prophetic life. Daniel began his response with a short history lesson – he knew the past, from God's perspective. You can't understand the present unless you remember the past. Then, Daniel challenged the king in his present standing before God: he understood the present, from God's perspective. Finally, he predicted the imminent end of the kingdom, a prophecy that was fulfilled that very night – he had insight into the future, again from God's perspective. None of these things came to Daniel without preparation. He didn't just have a spur-of-the-moment epiphany where the words all just came to him. He'd spent years in communion with God and study of his ways, learning to see things from God's perspective, rather than just going with the flow in downtown Babylon. We need to do the same, because there will be times when our generation screams for help, too, in understanding the writing on the wall.
Prayer: 'Lord, I want to have the prophetic word that's needed by my generation at just the right time. Help me to learn your ways, to prepare to speak your word, with your authority and power.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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I absolutely agree with you Mal on the danger of elevating of our leaders. There is something in man to want 'a king'. It's present in our current celebrity culture. It's curious when we see it in the world and it's pathetic when we see it in Christendom.
Michael Staires, United States
Thanks for putting your free podcasts on your website. Spread the word! Tonight I listened to 'Living with Excellence' - a fantastic message, professionally delivered with humour, clarity and compassion. Thank you Mal!
Christer, United Kingdom
Thanks for the Generations Masterclass in Australia. You articulated what has been an ongoing tension in my own ministry life as a gen-xer working for a Boomer.
Benita, Australia
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