Faithful to All Generations

In the book of Daniel, there are dreams that need interpretation but sometimes the writing is on the wall. Daniel chapter 5 opens at a great banquet given by King Belshazzar, the son of former King Nebuchadnezzar. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as King Belshazzar displays behavior full of arrogance, just as his Dad did in the years before God caused him to be humbled and live as a wild beast.

Oh, how easy it is to follow in our parents’ footsteps, whether missteps or direct steps. That really puts a lot of pressure on parents, doesn’t it? While sometimes I am grieved and have wrestled with God as to why I do not have children of my own, I am an aunt to my sister's two boys Reed and Miles and my brother’s daughter Shelby. Being at The Bridge and extending my hand at baby dedications, going to Mountain Top, helping with youth Alpha and now the fun I’ve had with Drama Club, has helped heal the sometimes-gaping hole in my heart from not having my own child. I have all of you as a family! So, I may not write as a parent, but I hope I have the Cool Aunt perspective. Like you, wondering if the kids we love may make the same mistakes that we did. Will we be around to guide them or teach them a lesson we learned before we die? That kind of worry can knock the breath right out of you.

Yet even here in Chapter 5, we read how good God is! We have a Father in heaven that speaks to us and our children. Even if it means sending a hand to write it on a wall, in plaster, in front of a room of people at a banquet. Even if it means we eat grass and live as a beast. God gave Belshazzar a mother who remembered Daniel, one who was able to interpret messages from the Lord.

We read on and find out King Belshazzar’s days are numbered; he has been judged and he is told he will lose his kingdom. That very night, all that was written happened. All that was written in Daniel was fulfilled, and all of God’s Word will one day be forever fully fulfilled! Jesus was judged, hung on a cross and bore our sins so that we can be saved from eternal death- his faithfulness endures to all generations! God will continue to pursue us and our children so that we will know love that surpasses all understanding. Have faith parents, and know Jesus loves our children and will pursue them as a Mighty Warrior who saves.

Nikki