Wisdom like that of the gods

Wisdom like that of the gods

Scripture: There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.  He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.” Daniel 5:11-12

Observation: Daniel 5 takes us to the amazing episode where King Belshazzar of Babylon saw the fingers of a hand suddenly appear out of thin air and write his judgment on the wall. At a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles, King Belshazzar dishonored God by ordering for the gold goblets taken from the temple in Jerusalem by his father King Nebuchadnezzar to be used at his banquet. The divine hand of judgment appeared and wrote on the wall, and no one could interpret its meaning until the queen mother told the king about Daniel. Daniel was called and prophesied that Belshazzar’s reign would end that very night because of his sin, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom that same night.

The passage of our focus today is based on the introduction of Daniel by the queen mother to her son. Firstly, Daniel was described as having the spirit of the holy gods in him. The Babylonians did not believe that there was only one true God, but Daniel did have one Spirit, the Holy Spirit in him. We too, who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are given the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit has all insight and intelligence and wisdom and He makes it available to us when we most need it if we continue to seek Him.

The queen mother further mentioned that these qualities were found in Daniel during the time of Nebuchadnezzar. This shows us that Daniel had been forgotten during the rule of King Belshazzar who had not even heard of him. Rather than use his father’s advisors, King Belshazzar must have surrounded himself with his own peers, his own people. Like Daniel who was sidelined, there may be also times when we seem to be forgotten, pushed to the side, neglected, even though God is with us. However, Daniel still remained close to God, and He would have continued his practice of fasting and praying, even when his talents were not used. For us too, in times when we perhaps do not find ourselves active in ministry, we too should remain close to God and disciplined in prayer and the Word, ready to serve Him once we are called upon to do so, like Daniel.

One of the key characteristics of Daniel mentioned that is especially relevant today is the ability to solve difficult problems. In every church, business, and even in the home, people with the ability to solve difficult problems are highly valued. When we solve a problem, we are bringing peace to a situation. As Jesus declared “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”. Whenever we face any problem anywhere, let us ask God for wisdom and help to solve the problem. He is an ever present help in times of trouble!

Application: Recognize and declare that the Holy Spirit in us is all wise, all understanding, all-powerful. If we are in a period of less active service, do not be idle, but continue to be strong in the Lord, reading the Bible and praying. Thank God that the Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to solve problems. Whenever we face any problems, ask God help and for wisdom to solve problems.

Prayer: Praise You, Holy Spirit, for You are all-wise, all-knowing, all-understanding, all-powerful. All wisdom comes from You, O God. Help me be ever close to You, active in prayer and in the Word, at all times. In every problem that I face, I will look to You for strength and help and wisdom. In You alone I trust O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.