What steps can we take to avoid Belshazzar's mistakes in our lives? The Shaking Knees of a King “Then the king’s face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together.” (Daniel 5:6) Belshazzar’s trembling shows what happens when arrogant confidence collides with God’s holiness. His panic is a caution light for every heart that drifts toward irreverence and pride. Belshazzar’s Core Mistakes • Treated holy objects as party props (vv. 2–4) • Exalted himself instead of honoring God (v. 23) • Ignored the lessons God had just taught his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4) • Refused to heed warning signs until it was too late (vv. 5–9) Steps Toward a Different Outcome 1. Revere what God calls sacred • Handle Scripture, worship, and the Lord’s Table with humble awe. • Hebrews 12:28 reminds us to “worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” 2. Guard the heart against pride • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” • Ask daily: Am I promoting God’s glory or my own? 3. Learn from others’ discipline • Daniel urged Belshazzar to remember Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling (5:18–22). • 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us these stories were written “for our instruction.” 4. Respond quickly to conviction • When God’s finger writes on the wall of conscience, repent immediately. • James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 5. Cultivate ongoing humility • Philippians 2:12-13 urges believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” • Practical helps: regular confession, fasting, and intentional gratitude. 6. Live mindful of accountability • Galatians 6:7: “God is not mocked…whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • Steward influence, possessions, and time as belonging to the King. Scripture for Daily Reinforcement • Psalm 139:23-24 – Invite God to search and correct motives. • 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “Humble yourselves…that He may exalt you in due time.” • Luke 12:48 – “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” Bringing It Home Belshazzar’s knees knocked because he tried to stand on pride. We stay steady by bowing low—treating God as holy, surrendering every triumph, and welcoming His warnings early. Treasure humility now, and no handwriting on the wall will ever take you by surprise. |
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