0279. Daniel's Endictment: (B) Thou Hast Not Humbled Thyself

Daniel’s Endictment: (B) Thou Hast Not Humbled Thyself

"And thou his son; O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart" (Dan_5:22).

If ever there had been a time for weeping and for wailing that time had come to Belshazzar. If ever there had been an hour for contrition and confession that hour had come to Belshazzar.

A case in contrast is that of Nineveh. The Ninevites "proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest of them, even unto the least of them." Word came unto the king of Nineveh, "and he arose from his throne, and he laid aside his robe from him, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." He sent forth a decree saying; "Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth and cry mightily unto God, yea, let them turn away every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hands."

No wonder that God spared Nineveh, for God is a "gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness."

It is always true that "a broken and a contrite heart, Thou wilt not despise, O God."

It is always true that, if we "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, He will exalt us in due season."

It is always true, that, "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."

But Belshazzar "humbled not himself."

The sinner is like Belshazzar. He will not bend the knee. He has a hard heart and a stiff neck. He will not fall down before God, and cry as did the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

Daniel knew how to seek the face of the Lord by prayer and by supplications, and to pray and make confession, but Belshazzar knew not.

Job could cry: "I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes." But Belshazzar would not humble himself; neither will the sinner humble himself.

Saul of Tarsus knew what it was to be stricken to his face and to fall down before God; but, today, men will not bend the knee.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR