In our story for the week, there was writing on the wall that appeared during the king’s party. No one could figure out what it meant. Finally, the Queen remembered Daniel. Daniel 5: 13-16 So Daniel was called in. The king asked him, “Are you the Daniel who was one of the Jewish exiles my father brought here from Judah? I’ve heard about you—that you’re full of the Holy Spirit, that you’ve got a brilliant mind, that you are incredibly wise. The wise men and enchanters were brought in here to read this writing on the wall and interpret it for me. They couldn’t figure it out—not a word, not a syllable. But I’ve heard that you interpret dreams and solve mysteries. So—if you can read the writing and interpret it for me, you’ll be rich and famous—a purple robe, the great gold chain around your neck—and third-in-command in the kingdom.”
17 Daniel answered the king, “You can keep your gifts, or give them to someone else. But I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.[1]
At the time of this story, Daniel is probably about 80 years old. Each king most likely would set up his council of advisors like our president sets up his cabinet. As the nation drifted away from God, Daniel would have fallen out of favor with the kings. He would have been what we would call “retired” at this point in his life. It doesn’t appear that he was a braggart because only the Queen remembered who he was. Daniel isn’t doing the task of interpretation for the money or the fame which displays a humble heart.
Our culture places a premium on youth and doesn’t always acknowledge the wisdom that comes with age. As a result, many older people feel that their opinions don’t count, and that the younger generation won’t listen. If you are part of this older group, please realize that you may be retired, but that doesn’t stop you from serving the Lord. Keep on following Jesus and He may show you a new way to use the wisdom you learned over the years. Don’t force yourself on others but be humble. Allow God to bring you forward just like He did with Daniel. To hear more of the story of Daniel, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/writing-on-the-wall
[1] The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson