The "handwriting on the wall", for King Belshazzar, was that he had seen with his own eyes and experienced in his own life the realities and power of God's presence - but he chose to ignore them. He had seen what happened to his father, Nebuchadnezzar. He had observed Nebuchadnezzar's conversion. And yet Belshazzar had taken the sacred vessels and used them as if they were nothing more than the spoils of war.
The handwriting on the wall told him that his reign was over; that the Medes and Persians would soon rule over the Kingdom that had been his.
The handwriting was on the wall.
I make it a point never to threaten non-followers. I do not want anyone to come to faith out of fear or avoidance of some horrible fate. But I do speak of opportunities missed. One of our graduating students shared similar thoughts last week. "I don't know how they do it," was the comment. Meaning, how do those who have no faith or community of faith face the challenges of school and relationships and life? They are missing an opportunity.
The handwriting on the wall is clear: the way of Jesus brings a contentment and confidence which makes life meaningful. These things may come through other sources, but we have seen (clearly seen) how they have come into the lives of others. We have seen with our own eyes and experienced in our own lives the power of God's adoption. Why would we ignore this and live as if we did not know this to be true?
The handwriting is on the wall. God is every ready to love us and to support us; God has established a community to make that love and acceptance tangible.
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