The Handwriting is on the Wall

 

    Are we honestly taking this message to heart?  “The handwriting is on the wall” is an idiom that many understand to mean that all signs point to the truth that something dreadful is going to happen in the future.  But how many actually pay attention to where this phrase came from or how strongly they believe it?  We are living in a time of great uncertainty.  A quick walk through any social media site gives us clues to how our world is thinking.  What is mans' solution to the current predicament?  Humanity seems to hold the opinion that we are capable of solving all the issues that trouble us.  However, God’s Word reveals that it is not humanity that will rescue humankind from the imminent danger that lies ahead.

     God sent the angel, Gabriel, to explain dreams and visions to Daniel that greatly trouble him.  Here is the truth found in Daniel 8:23-25.

“And at the latter end of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their limit, a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise.  His power shall be great—but not by his own power, and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.  By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning, he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.

This passage is speaking about the beast, the power over which Jesus will prevail.  I noticed that this passage indicates that in his mind, he believes in his greatness.  But his power does not come from within himself.  God allows this ruler of the earth to believe he has power and that he is great.  Scriptures reveal that his power shall be broken but not by human hand.  Do we still think that we can control the outcome by our efforts? We live under God's plan.  

     This passage should encourage us that by holding fast and abiding in Jesus, our eternity is secure even when we encounter a world that horrifies us.  When we cast our eyes on our eternal home, we have hope in God’s promises.  Can we boldly proclaim this good news?  Many voices in the world today want us to focus on perishable things of this world, even though ‘The ‘Handwriting is on the Wall.’  Focusing on perishable things is foolish when the foundation of our confidence is in Jesus Christ.  The promise of salvation is granted only to those who remain faithful. 

    I realized what lies ahead will not be a cakewalk after reading Daniel 7 and 8.  If we want to endure to the end, it will require much perseverance and focus.  Scriptures tell us that many will fall away (see Matthew 24:10).  Looking at the emotional state of Daniel when he received the vision of the four beasts, we read that he was both anxious and alarmed (see Daniel 7:15-16) as he approached God’s messenger to understand the truth behind his vision.  These two emotions are expressed after Scriptures reveal these two things:  (1) 'The Ancient of Days Reigns' (see Daniel 7:9-12) and (2) 'The Son of Man is Given Dominion' (see Daniel 7:10-14).  These are subheadings in my ESV translation.  These subheadings are not part of the original text but are an attempt to summarize the content of these verses of Scripture.  This shows me that it is possible to be a seeker of truth and still become overwhelmed by the horrific fate that lie ahead for some before the LORD returns.  Anyone who chooses to ignore this foretelling may find it impossible to endure.  Rather than looking to the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome, we may assume that we have the strength within ourselves.  We don't.  

      I was also drawn into the passage recorded in Luke 4:1, Scriptures tell us where Jesus drew his strength while in the flesh.  'And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, for forty days, being tempted by the devil.’  This passage helps me to understand what Paul is teaching us in his Epistle to the Philippians when he says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”  Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)  Jesus was led by the Spirit.  He did not do things on His own.  If Jesus followed the Holy Spirit's lead, shouldn't we follow His example?  This passage also tells us if we are to model Jesus (walking as he walked), we are to be servants.  If we wish to be an overecomer as the latter days draw near, we need to fully rely on the Holy Spirit guidance, not on our own experience, opinions, or strength.  That statement brings great conviction to my heart as I am a woman who relies on all four (the Spirit, my experience, my opinions, and my strength).  I need to hold on to the first and relinquish the rest.

Throughout Jesus' experience in the wilderness, he responded to the power of this world (the prince of darkness) with Scriptures (see Luke 4:4, 8, and 12).  As we imitate Jesus, our confidence to overcome evil comes from not only understanding the Scriptures, but having our answers grounded in them.  How uncommon this is in the flesh.  Scriptures also reveal that Jesus returned from the wilderness in ‘the power of the Spirit (see Luke 4:14 ESV) when his ministry began.  Jesus was not relying on His own strength in the flesh, and neither should we. 

The next expression of Daniels’ emotion is recorded in Daniel 7:28.  Now Daniel is not just alarmed but greatly alarmed as my ESV Bible tells me.  He is so alarmed he becomes flushed (his color changes).  We see the same expression when Belshazzar sees 'The handwriting on the wall' in Daniel chapter 5.  He becomes weak-kneed and flushed.  Can you recall or even imagine an experience where you became so alarmed that your lost color?  If I were to imagine this involuntary reaction, I could see myself coming upon a bear or rattlesnake in the woods;  who am I kidding, any snake in the woods!  Or what if I encountering an alligator that I was not expecting?  By transferring my imagination to Daniel’s story, this allows me to identify far greater with the fear (or terror) that must have overtaken him.  What prayers would roll off my tongue in a moment like that?  What if we imagined not having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and needing to depend on a rapid response to our prayers?  This thought reinforces my desire to know where my strength and power and authority lies.  I want to rely on the source that will ensure my ability to overcome adversity.

God sends Gabriel, the messenger, to explain things to Daniel.  We know that Daniel is visited more than once by this angel, yet he responds with fear.  This is a common response we see regarding all who encounter angels in the Bible (patriarchs, prophets, or people).  Gabriel tries to comfort Daniel by telling him that he is talking about latter days, not the current day in which Daniel is having these dreams and visions (see Daniel 8:17-18).  Scriptures then reveal that Gabriel put Daniel into a deep sleep when revealing truth.  One must wonder how terrifying this information must have been for Daniel.  If this news was too hard for Daniel, this great man of faith, how hard would it be for us to see the end so clearly.  I reflect on how our medical profession uses this same technique when a patient is severely injured or ill.  They induce a sleep (or coma) to help the human spirit survive.  The understanding revealed to Daniel laid out God's plan for 'the appointed' end of time.  In my ESV Bible it is called, ‘the latter end of the indignation.'  Indignation means anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.'  Does that definition 'provoked by a perception of unfair treatment' resemble anything remotely close to our current social climate?    

The last emotion expressed by Daniel in his Old Testament account, shows that Daniel was ‘overcome and lay sick for several days’ (see Daniel 8:27).  When he recovered from this experience, Daniel was appalled by the vision.  Our modern-day definition of appalled could be translated to the word horrified.  The man, Daniel, who sought God far greater than I, was undone.    

     We cannot afford to take our eyes off Jesus considering what is happening in our world today.  We can only seek refuge in Scriptures with knowledge that God desires our dependence on Him.  He wants us to know and do His will.  I encourage you to rely on the Holy Spirit to be your source of power and allow the Scriptures to be the authoritative voice you listen to.  Peace is not intended for this world, but it’s a promise to those who believe. 

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)