Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, August 27, 2020
Today’s Text: Daniel 5:13-31
Key Verses: Daniel 5:17 (KJV) — “Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.”
In today’s “Belshazzar generation” — when people’s pursuit for blessings blind them from the Giver of blessing, and people no longer accord fidelity to divine revelations; when religion substitutes shadows for God; when there are various forms of moral inflation against God; in an age of sacrilege; indecency; drunkenness; prostration before idols; when disrespect for God really matters little or not at all; our prophets are unfortunately moved by gains on the pain of the people. The people can meddle on in lust, speak profanity, and disrespect God; but many preachers are not touched by their improprieties, sensualisms, and idolatries as long as they can profit wither.
Despite the increased failure of our generation’s prime duty to God, many so called ministers of God today are still parading sin-pampering, error-condoning meetings and ministries because of selfish gains. But as for Daniel; he would refuse the king’s offer of reward. His determination is to speak the truth and not any respect to advance-fee, gift, or reward. This is the conduct consistent with true messengers of Yahweh. Elisha was of the same heart. He told Naaman that "As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing." And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.” (2 Kings 5:16) When Hazael stood before Elisha with gift of forty camel-loads of all the finest wares of Damascus, saying: "Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, 'Will I recover from this illness?'" (2 Kings 8:9) What was Elisha’s response? What would be the popular response today? Men Apostle Peter was offered money in exchange of the gift of God, not only did he remember the very word which our Lord had spoken to him and his brother Apostles, “Freely ye have received freely give;” (Matthew 10:8) but he was a prophetic voice against the corruption of the meddlers. “Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” He said. (Acts 8:20)
It is however unfortunate that in our own generation, many prefer to take Apostle Paul’s, “Don't you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?” out of context to pamper their filthy lucre. So, they bribe away their desire for material things instead of pursuing godliness with contentment. Ministry is far more rewarding than any of us has ever seen; but the motif of ministry is never the reward of it, or benefits from it. But, according to Jesus, it is upon doing the will of Him that sent us. Would you ask yourself this question: If I stand before Belshazzar to minister today and a sac of proud sterling called pound sterling is placed before you in the face of an ungodly ruler, what would you do?
Quote for the Day: "Ministry is far more rewarding than any of us has ever seen; but the motif of ministry is never the reward of it, or benefits from it.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, how can I deliver myself against greed except Your Holy Spirit will help me. Please guide and shape my life into your self-giving image, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
With all my love and prayer,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
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