Hello boys and girls, this is Aunt Frenita.
Today's story is called, "Handwriting on the Wall."
Today's memory verse is from Jeremiah, Chapter 1, Verse 7
It says.
But the Lord said to me, do not say I am too young
You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.
The message is, I serve God when I help others understand His Word
Have you ever seen words scribbled on a wall?
It does not look very nice.
How would you feel if you saw writing appear on a wall,
but could not see who was writing it or understand what was being written?
That is just what happened at a king's party.
"There's going to be a party at the palace."
Words spread rapidly through the city.
Belshazzar, King Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, was the present king of Babylon.
He had chosen a day to honor the idols of Babylon with a huge festival.
Everyone was ready for a party.
For months, Cyrus' army had been winning battles against the Babylonian army.
People were worried because the Persian general was camped very near the city of Babylon.
Everyone wanted to enjoy themselves and forget about the fighting.
Belshazzar's party began in the morning and lasted all day.
He probably had dancers and storytellers to entertain his guests.
This party was supposed to honor the idols of Babylon.
But most people were busy pleasing themselves with wine, food, and entertainment.
Belshazzar did not want to follow God.
He wanted to do what he wanted.
He did not honor God. He was not humble.
This must have made God sad.
God would have been happy if Belshazzar had changed.
But Belshazzar wanted his own way.
As Belshazzar grew more and more drunk,
his wickedness became greater.
He called for the sacred vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem
He and his guests
filled them with wine and made offerings to their gods.
Can you imagine that?
Those vessels were once used for worship in God's temple.
They were dedicated to God.
Now they were filled with wine and used to worship idols.
Suddenly, there was a stir.
Along one wall of the palace,
a mysterious hand began to write.
A hand that wasn't connected to a body.
Belshazzar stared with horror.
This frightened him.
The bible says: His legs became weak, and his knees were knocking.
What did it mean? He had to find out.
He called for his magicians and astrologers.
He called for the priests who served the idols Belshazzar had honored.
"If anyone can tell me what these words mean, I will give him a gold chain."
"And I will make him the third highest ruler in Babylon." He said.
But none of the wisemen could interpret the words.
Belshazzar trembled. He became even more afraid.
Finally, his mother remembered Daniel.
"Send for Daniel." She said.
"He interpreted your grandfather Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Maybe he can help now."
So Daniel was brought before the king and shown the mysterious writing.
Daniel's words were respectful as he told the king the bad news.
"You have been too proud." He told Belshazzar.
"You insulted God, so he sent this message to you."
Daniel then read the message.
MENE. MENE. TEKEL. UPHARSIN.
Daniel interpreted the message.
"Mene, means that God will soon send your reign."
"Tekel, means that God has judged you and found you guilty of horrible sins."
"Upharsin, means that the Persians will conquer Babylon."
Even as Belshazzar put a gold chain around Daniel's neck,
and promoted him to third highest in Babylon, God's words came true.
The Persian army commanded by Cyrus sneaked into the city and conquered it.
Belshazzar died that night.
Sometimes serving God doesn't make people happy with us.
God will make us strong.
Strong enough to take his message to anyone who needs to hear it.
Will you be God's messenger and tell others about Him?
This podcast was read by Frenita Buddy for gracelink.net
Created and produced by Falvo Fowler
Post produced by Faith Toh at Studio Elpizo.
The theme music is by Clayton Kinney
Animation and artwork by Diogo Godoy
The audio engineer was Karel Holness.
For more information, please visit gracelink.net