A Higher Calling

Daniel 5:11-12

There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means."

We do not see God's condemnation of Belshazzar. These verses describe the renaming of Daniel to Belshazzar. The devil's attempt to curse what God had blessed was foiled again. The devil planned for Daniel to be called after a kingdom ruling under the power of darkness whom God condemned. The name Belshazzar meant protect the life of the king. Note that the devil's plans for Daniel's life were not of God. Even the king's family recognized the calling on his life not knowing what God had planned. His family asks the king to call for Daniel. The name Daniel invokes the judgement of God. Literally, the name means "God is my judge." For the king had called Daniel his protector; yet, God's call superseded the king. Watch what happens when man calls on you for protection but God pronounced judgement. The Lord delivered an untranslatable message to the king. Daniel could have been true to God or he could have spoken what favored the king. When God's calling on your life goes against the commands, the plans, or the will of man, what will you do? When man calls you against what God named you, whose favor will you seek? God had given Daniel favor with the king's family. Someone say favor in high places. Yet, Daniel recognized a higher king, a higher court, and a higher power. Daniel's obedience was rewarded with earthly blessings. These were counted as nothing to him in the face of the Lord's calling as in John 21:22. The king, who called Daniel to serve the devil's plans by the will of man, was judged. Is it not interesting to note that what happened next was none of Daniel's concern as a servant of God. God kept Daniel's name. His purpose, the calling on his life, and his divine favor were all blessed even when circumstances were not favorable. Isaiah 46:8-11 says the glory of God excludes all else. Exodus 34:13 states that God "will not share his glory" with any. He alone is King over all others, and he wants our recognition.