Feb. 20, 2007
Feb 20, 2007
Dan 5:16-17That Daniel had wisdom in matters supernatural is clear to even a casual reader of Daniel. That he knew that these powers came from God should be fairly evident. What might not be so evident is that Daniel did not seek after rewards for he knew the abilities he had came from God. While what Belshazzar says to Daniel here does come true, it is not because Daniel desired it. Daniel waited for God to put him in the places that God wanted him and then did as God asked.
(16) And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(17) Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
If Daniel had not been where he was, then Belshazzar would not be able to have his death sentence from God explained to him. As it was, when his life ended that night, he knew exactly why it had happened. Some may say that Daniel knew that he had a bad report for the king and that is why he would not take anything. A look at Daniel's life would show otherwise. He did not have to go to the lion's den, he could have stopped praying to God. He could have looked the other way and ate the food sacrificed to other gods. His life was one of worship to God and letting God do the advancement. When someone is in that position it is so easy to look the other way and take what he or she needs for themselves in life. God will never be pleased with that. If the gift is promised so that you will say something nice, it is not worth the sin on your life. Live your life so that all will know your honesty. If you receive a gift, take it, God got it to you. This is a concept I have trouble with often. I try to say what did I do to deserve this gift? The answer is often the same as what I did to receive salvation; nothing. If I can accept salvation, why can I not accept a gift from God when it is given by a man?
God puts us where He needs us to be for a reason. You do not have to know why He does. When you are where you are supposed to be and doing what you are supposed to be doing, God can and will provide gifts when you use your talents for Him.
