ScriptureDaniel 5:4As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.Observation - What does it say?Between chapters 4 and 5, there was a transition of power as Belshazzar took the throne of his father Nebuchadnezzar. During his massive banquet that had a guest list of a thousand, Belshazzar had the gold and silver goblets brought that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem. As they drank wine from the goblets, in open idolatry they praised gods of these various materials. This is incredible! Why?Belshazzar’s father had one of the most incredible journeys of discovering God and coming to worship him (see chapters 1-3). Daniel later recounts his father’s journey to him, saying, “though you knew all this” (4:22). Chances are, he had observed his father go through this journey first hand! Yet, he didn’t honor God and worshiped these empty idols.
Understanding - What does it mean?Two things stand out to me in this, from a parent's perspective:
- The parent’s responsibility is to “Train up a child in the way he should go,” (Prov. 22:6) and “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).
Despite his amazing personal journey with God, it appears Nebuchadnezzar failed in this department. Consider in contrast King David raising Solomon to love and worship God and setting him up for success by providing all the materials for him to build the temple. And, like Proverbs 22:6 (Written by Solomon and possibly with his first-hand experience in mind!) concludes, “…even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
- The child’s choice is ultimately their own.
Belshazzar hadn’t just heard about his father’s journey of faith but he “knew” all about it, most likely as an eyewitness. Yet, despite witnessing the power and sovereignty of God in his father’s life, unlike Solomon he exercised his free will to turn from God to idols.Life ApplicationFulfill my responsibilities to teach my children to love and worship God.ANDPray that when my children grow older and are faced with the decision, they choose God.
God, what an incredible opportunity and responsibility you’ve entrusted to us as parents! Please give us wisdom to know how to train our children in the way they should go. May our example in following you be one worth imitating. Yet, we recognize that ultimately they will have to choose. Holy Spirit, have mercy and grant that their hearts would be turned toward you. Bless our children to know and rejoice in your salvation all the days of their lives. Amen.
- Levi Thompson
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