In Daniel 5 we read an amazing story that reminds me a bit of our troubled world economy. I'm not a wealthy man, nor am I a financial planner...but I do see some similarities in the leadership of Belshazzar and the solutions he offered to the solutions we often seek here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
In Daniel 5 we see where Belshazzar has chosen to party hard...he had chosen to take the things of God and drink from them and use them as a symbol of self indulgence and human superiority. Belshazzar has chosen to believe he was untouchable. He was certain that nothing could go wrong in his economy.
Well, God chose to correct the markets as "the handwriting was on the wall". According to scripture, the handwriting was literally on the wall in verse 5 and the writing was troubling..."MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PERES. Or translated, they were weighed and found wanting.
So Belshazzar calls upon the soothsayers and wise guys...he called upon his version of expert...but none could help solve the problems of the day. You know, we have real problems. How many times have we heard that phrase in this year's presidential election? We do have real problems. The question is, do we have leaders willing to seek godly direction to solve them.
It would take something amazing, something special to solve this one. So Daniel was called upon because he is described as a man called of God, and excellent man, and a man that could solve enigmas. Literally translated, Daniel was a man that could untie knots.
I would suggest that we need a new bailout plan for America...we need young men and women who can untie knots. Daniel's ability to untie knots was based on his calling of God, passion for God and willingness to obey God.
I fear that we too have taken what is God's, taken from others and must read the handwriting on the wall in 2008. May we choose to lead and serve our future leaders in such a way that we do not leave a mess for them to fix, but that we would be men and women of God that obey Him in such a way that we may untie these knots and return to God that which is His and share that which He has blessed us with...His economic stimulus plan seems rather simple, doesn't it? Return to me 10%, Keep 90% and give with a heart of joy and gratitude.
May the Lord bless you richly as we choose to lead His way and follow His direction for our nation. May we we provide an example of servant leadership for our youth that will change the world and allow for God's market corrections to impact our future leaders for His service. May our decisions be grounded in the will and the Word of God.
Clearly, the handwriting is on the wall. I pray we will not be found wanting, but praising.
In light of our election this week...may we pray that God will direct President-Elect Obama and that his heart may be softened to the direction of God Almighty.
