Read: Daniel 5:18-28
And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this. (v. 22)
Some diseases can be treated and cured, and when they’re cured, the immune system builds a defense mechanism against possible recurrence. Other diseases are not curable but are manageable through lifestyle changes or medication. Whether it is curable or manageable, disease demands our immediate attention. Delay or complacency can be fatal.
That is the story of King Belshazzar who saw the writing on the wall—the ultimatum from God himself. Before interpreting the writing, Daniel told the story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance and the way God had humbled him. Nebuchadnezzar repented and was restored as king. Belshazzar had the opportunity to learn from his father and reform his ways but instead chose to offend God himself by bringing out vessels looted from the temple in Jerusalem to use for feasting and praising other gods (v. 3). His arrogance was just as great as Nebuchadnezzar’s, but he ignored the treatment for his disease.
We must not wait for the writing on the walls. God loves us, and he gives us many warnings through signs, sufferings, and indictments in smaller ways so we may reform our ways. We must attend to the deadly disease (sin) on time. God alone has the cure, and when we listen, we can receive it. As Paul says in Hebrews, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 4:7). —Dr. A.K. Lama
As you pray, ask God to humble you while there is still time. Ask for healing as you attend to sin in your own heart, mind, and lifestyle.
About the Author
Dr. A.K. Lama serves as Words of Hope’s Director for Ministry to South Asia. Dr. Lama is fluent in six languages, and holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. Dr. Lama is married to Dr. Asangla Ao. Together they have two daughters and one son.
