Daniel Part 4 - The Writing is on the Wall ... but Nevertheless

Daniel Part 4 – The Writing on the Wall … but Nevertheless

In today’s sermon focusing on chapter 5, we look at one of the most sobering moments in the book of Daniel: when God communicated directly with the king of Babylon by writing a message on his wall.

Decades have passed since Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before God. Babylon has changed kings again and again, and now Belshazzar sits on the throne—proud, reckless, and blind to the danger right outside his walls. While a Persian army surrounds the city, he throws a drunken feast and toasts his idols with the stolen goblets from God’s Temple. In his pride he believed that the walls surrounding Babylon were unbreakable… until they weren’t!

But even in his eighties, Daniel is still God’s man inside Babylon. Forgotten for years, pushed aside politically, overlooked by those in power ... but nevertheless, he stands ready. He walks into the king’s court with no ambition, no fear, and no desire for reward. He knows the real throne he serves. He knows the One who truly rules.

Daniel reads the writing on the wall: your days are numbered, you’ve been weighed and found wanting, your kingdom will fall. It’s justice… but it’s also warning. Because the same message is true for every human heart.

And yet—here’s the hope of the gospel—nevertheless, God has made a way. What was written against us has been wiped clean, nailed to the cross of Jesus Christ. Our days are numbered, yes. But in Christ, our lives are redeemed. Our failures don’t get the final word. His mercy does.

This week is about facing truth with humility… and discovering the God who meets us with grace.

Reflection

Take time to reflect on what the ‘... but nevertheless God’ means to you. Have you hidden yourself behind walls of your own making and design? Are they as deep as a tennis court is long and do you believe that they are impenetrable? What does a God who gave Himself for all of our sins in a sacrificial act on a cross mean to you?

There is a prayer that you can pray with Dean towards the end of the sermon if you feel that you would like to accept God’s invitation to come into your life - or indeed, if you feel that you would like to refresh your commitment to Him as you've drifted a little, over time. But as you consider doing this, you may, as we all do, wonder why or how God might forgive you of all the things you have done in your life. If this is you, then here are a few things you need to know:

• Luke Chapter 15 v. 11-31 – possibly the most important parable of all! 
• Romans Chapter 8 – if you are up for a whole chapter, but if you want a focus, try verses 38-39. 
• If you like music, then there are many songs and artists that you could listen to, but you could consider looking up Don Francisco - he may not be your normal musical brew, but his lyrics are very sound. You could try, 'Too small a price' and 'I don't care where you've been sleeping'.

Leominster Baptist Church can be found on Etnam Street in Leominster. To find out more about us, visit our website leobc.co.uk. If you would like to speak to someone about anything that you have heard on our podcasts please give us a call and ask for a chat.