What Makes Us Wise Parents and Grandparents?

O. T. #1988  "What Makes Us Wise Parents and Grandparents?"

July 23, 2021

Daniel 5-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Does this sound familiar? The king had a dream that none of his wise men/magicians could recount and interpret. This happened to Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. He was desperate to know what the handwriting on the wall meant. It had troubled him, changed his countenance, and caused his knees to knock.

What rewards did Belshazzar offer to the one who could read this writing and explain it to him?

• clothed in scarlet;
• have a chain of gold about his neck;
• become the third ruler in the Babylonian kingdom.

This person would be dressed in purple robes of royal honor, have a gold chain to wear around his neck, and become the third highest ruler there. Wow! Belshazzar meant business, didn't he? When his wise men could not meet the requirements of such rewards, the king turned pale. His nobles were shaken up, too.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Belshazzar was desperate. This situation was beyond his power and wisdom. (That is because God was in charge.)

What do we do when we become desperate? Who do we turn to for guidance? Is it God or friends, family, pastor?

Paul ended his letter to the church at Rome, To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. (Rom. 16:27)

Paul wrote in his first letter  to Timothy, Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. (1 Tim. 1:17)

Psalm 111:10 tells us, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever.

Tony Evans explains the fear of the Lord: To take God seriously is the foundation of wisdom. To be wise is to have a clear understanding of how to obey God's commands in specific situations. Exercising such wisdom leads us to experience God at a deeper level, which should lead to even more praise.

Since God is the only One all wise, so if we seek to be a wise person, then we should seek His wisdom. Are we today relying on God's wisdom in a particular situation?

LET IT GROW

Here comes the answer for Belshazzar. The queen mother, Belshazzar's grandmother, heard what happened and rushed into the banquet room. What wise instruction did she give her grandson?

• Don't be so pale and frightened.
• There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods.
• During Nebuchadnezzar's reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods.
• Neb made him chief over all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers of Babylon.  
• This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems.
• Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means. (New Living Translation, verses 10-12)

Grandmother had the answer. She recalled the abilities of Daniel, under God, to give the answer to the strange mystery on the wall. Daniel had explained to King Neb what his dreams were and meant (metal statue and tree). Daniel gave glory to God for his ability, that was given by the Almighty God, the Most High God of the Jews.

Are we a wise grandparent or parent for our children? Do we seek the All-Wise God for answers to our situation? He is the key.

LET IT GO

Our God is still the same God that gave Daniel wisdom and the three Hebrews faith for deliverance from the fiery furnace. He never changes.

Why do we try to figure out a solution to a problem on our own? (Guilty)

I will trust You Lord and fear no more.

You are my courage and strength, God.

I will trust You Lord and fear no more.