Series: Unshakeable

"The writing is on the wall"—we've all heard this phrase, but do you know its origins? This powerful message takes us to the palace of King Belshazzar, where a supernatural hand writes a message of judgment during a drunken party that mocked God. This isn't just ancient history—it's a mirror held up to our own hearts, asking the hard question: what writing might be on the wall of your life?

Twenty-three years after Nebuchadnezzar's death, his son Belshazzar rules Babylon. Despite enemy armies at the gates, he throws a massive party, using sacred temple vessels from Jerusalem to drink wine while praising false gods. In the midst of this blasphemous celebration, a mysterious hand appears and writes a terrifying message on the palace wall.

Belshazzar's downfall wasn't sudden—it followed a clear progression: self-indulgence, disrespect for sacred things, and open mockery of God. Pride always starts small but grows bold, beginning with "I don't need God's guidance" and potentially ending with "I don't need God at all."

The supernatural writing on the wall was unmistakable, yet instead of repenting, Belshazzar called for advisors to interpret it. Even when confronted with divine intervention, pride makes us look for explanations that don't require us to change. God's warnings come through circumstances, counsel, and His Word—but pride whispers, "You don't need to listen."

Enter Daniel—now in his 80s, still faithful and humble. He refused personal gain, gave God credit, learned from history, spoke truth regardless of consequences, and held Belshazzar accountable. Belshazzar knew his grandfather's story but thought, "That won't happen to me." Pride says, "I'm different." Humility says, "I need to pay attention and learn."

The mysterious words—MENE (numbered), TEKEL (weighed), PARSIN (divided)—spelled doom. That very night, the kingdom fell and Belshazzar was killed. Yet this judgment didn't have to happen. God had given multiple opportunities to humble himself through his grandfather's example, Daniel's testimony, and the supernatural warning.

Regularly Examine Your Heart for Pride: Pride is subtle and progressive. Ask yourself: Am I becoming less dependent on prayer? Am I justifying compromises? Am I less teachable than before?

Learn from Others' Examples: Don't wait for your own crisis. Study biblical examples and pay attention to what God is doing in others' lives.

Respond Quickly to God's Warnings: When God speaks through His Word, circumstances, or other believers, don't delay your response.

Choose the Safety of Humility: Humility isn't weakness—it's wisdom that positions us to receive God's grace, guidance, and blessing.

Belshazzar's story is a tragedy that didn't have to happen. The same God who wrote judgment on his wall has written grace in the blood of Jesus Christ. The question isn't whether you'll face trials that test your pride—you will. The question is whether you'll humble yourself before God writes His judgment on your wall, or whether you'll wait until it's too late.

What writing is on the wall of your life today? Is it a warning about your priorities, a call to repentance, an invitation to depend on God, or a reminder that your time is numbered? Don't be like Belshazzar, ignoring God's warnings until judgment falls. Choose humility, dependence on God, and listen while there's still time.

Listen to the full sermon audio above. For more resources and upcoming messages in our "Unshakeable" series, visit our sermon archive.