The Handwriting is on the wall

Beyond the Chaos

The Handwriting is on the wall

In the book of Daniel, we come across the story of Belshazzar, who misused the holy things of God, leading to dire consequences. This account teaches us that when we mix the unholy with the holy, the handwriting is on the wall. Clearly, God cannot exist in unholiness, and unholiness separates us from Him. Thus, we must strive not to mix the unholiness of culture with the holiness of God. Let us delve deeper into the implications of unholiness and explore how to live a holy life in the midst of an unholy world.

Belshazzar’s Misuse of God’s Holy Things:

Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, failed to humble his heart, even when he knew the consequences. He arrogantly lifted himself against the Lord and, to compound matters, used the sacred vessels from God’s house to indulge in revelry. Belshazzar and his associates praised gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which were powerless and could neither see, hear, nor know. In doing so, they failed to glorify the true God who holds their breath in His hand and owns all their ways.

The Writing on the Wall:

As a consequence of his actions, Belshazzar witnessed an eerie phenomenon. The fingers of a hand, sent from God, appeared and wrote an inscription on the wall. The message, interpreted by Daniel, was as follows: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.” Each word held symbolic significance: God had numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom, found him wanting upon weighing him in the balances, and decreed that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. That very night, Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede received the kingdom.

The Problem with Unholiness:

The Bible reminds us of the ramifications of unholiness. Colossians 1:13-14 informs us that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His Son, where we find redemption and forgiveness of sins. Additionally, 1 Peter 5:8 calls us to be sober and vigilant, as the devil roams like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us.

Where Our Holiness is Under Attack Today:

In our present age, holiness is consistently under attack. It is essential to recognize and defend the sacred aspects of life and society that God deems holy. Leviticus 19:2 emphasizes our personal call to holiness, while Psalm 139:14 highlights the sanctity of human life. Hebrews 13:4 underscores the holiness of marriage, and Leviticus 27:30-34 reveals the holiness of the tithe. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 reminds us of the holiness of sex, and Exodus 20:8-9 stresses the holiness of the Sabbath. Lastly, Luke 1:49 reminds us that the name of God is holy.

Living a Holy Life:

To live a holy life, we must first make the written Word of God our standard. Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 caution us against the works of the flesh that will prevent us from inheriting the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:5-6 heightens the warning against immorality, impurity, and greed, reminding us that no such person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and God. By aligning our lives with God’s standards, we establish a foundation for holiness.

Secondly, we must decide to be led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:14 emphasizes the importance of being led by the Spirit, as it distinguishes us as children of God. Hebrews 12:5-13 encourages us not to regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, as it is meant for our growth and transformation. Through this discipline, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and draw closer to Him.

Conclusion:

Belshazzar’s misuse of God’s holy things serves as a stark reminder that unrepentant immorality and impurity prevent us from entering the presence of God. To live a holy life in an unholy world, we must resist the temptation to mix the unholy aspects of culture with God’s holiness. By making His Word our standard and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can set ourselves apart for God, protect the sanctity of our lives and relationships, and find fulfillment in living according to His will.

By embracing holiness and distancing ourselves from unholiness, we can truly dwell in the presence of the Lord and experience the transformative power of His love and grace. May we remain steadfast in pursuing a life marked by holiness

• Pastor Ben Pierce