From the moment the Jewish exiles turned up in Babylon, God was present with them in a very active way. As we saw yesterday God even took hold of the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, so that he became a believer in Yahweh and even ended up writing a chapter of the Bible! Now in Daniel 5 we are told of a new king, Belshazzar. The archaeological evidence tells us that he was actually a prince who ruled as king because of the long-term absence of his father, Nabonidus, from Babylon. When Belshazzar made a formal gesture towards the Babylonian idols God turned up yet again very dramatically. As long as his people were in Babylon, God would testify to himself, and yet again he gets Daniel involved. God performs the sign, but Daniel delivers the message. It might seem odd that Belshazzar is not given the chance to repent after his turn to idolatry. But, under Nebuchadnezzar, he was already given that chance. In spite of his grandfather’s (he is referred to as his father) example and message he chose to turn away to these false idols. Despite this, Daniel is promoted like Joseph to the third highest position under Nabonidus and his son Belshazzar. God loves to promote those who promote him. Wherever we are, God will be present, and he will use us as his messengers to those around us if we are willing. So, when you turn up to work, school or those social occasions today or tomorrow you can be confident that God goes where you go. Be conscious of this and act accordingly.
Pray for God to give you opportunities to show his presence and share his message.
Read Daniel 5
