Measured, Weighed, and Divided

Today’s Reading: DANIEL 5:13–31

It seems that the other attempts to interpret the writing on the wall failed not because the words were unclear or in a foreign tongue, but because the meaning was hidden.
* The four words are “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN,” literally, “counted, counted, weighed, divided.”
* There is understandably quite a bit of discussion among scholars about how these four words communicate Daniel’s interpretation.

Let me warn you not to seek some kind of formula to interpret the mysteries of God.
* There are things in this world that have been revealed for all to see and plainly understand.
* And there are mysteries that can be solved by observation and deduction.
* But there are also mysteries that cannot be solved without revelation from God.
* And there are things that will be remain hidden until the end of this life.

Think about it this way: Belshazzar and company have ignored the plain revelation of God (see v. 18–22).
* The Most High God demonstrated his authority over Nebuchadnezzar, but everyone carried on as if none of that ever happened.
* And what is more, they pretended as if they had authority over God instead!
* So, having ignored “beating you over the head” revelation, how do they expect to understand a mystery?

And, as always, biblical examples of sinfulness are images of our own human nature.
* We ask God for special insight when we have ignored simple direction.
* We want to experience ecstasy in worship when we don’t find God’s most basic attributes praiseworthy.
* We want to be master defenders of the faith, super apologists, but we can’t explain the basic principles of the faith.
* We want to preach more boldly to the world, but we don’t know how to proclaim the truth of God to ourselves.

In Luke 16:10, Jesus says, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.“
* May we be faithful in the little things that God has entrusted to us.
* And may we not be ”found wanting" in the simple matters of faith and obedience.