Found Wanting

“God changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21). 

There are reasons God dethrones leaders and it usually comes down to one thing - Pride! Before Daniel interpreted the Handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar, he explained why his kingdom was coming to an abrupt end… 

He stated that his father, King Nebuchadnezzar, was dreaded and feared by the nations. He was ruthless and put to death whoever he wished. But there was a sin bigger than all others…  “But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory” (Daniel 5:20). He was then given the mind of an animal and ate grass like an ox, “UNTIL he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone He wishes” (Daniel 5:21). 

His son Belshazzar had seen it all and learned NOTHING (vs 22). Therefore, the Lord was judging him for his pride as “he had set himself up against the Lord of Heaven.” The message on the wall was clear…  “God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end… You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting… your kingdom is divided between the Medes and Persians.” That very night King Belshazzar was slain. 

As we watch the seats of power changing in our world, may we pray collectively that the new leaders would honor God, respect the people and value the preciousness of life. God is still watching all the injustice in this world and WILL have the final say.

(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)