Before we read the text today, I need to give you some context. Chapter four ends abruptly, leaving us hanging, not knowing where Nebuchadnezzar stands with God. And then, between chapters four and five, we have a gap of time that could be up to 25 years. King Nebuchadnezzar died, and since then, there have been five kings. Most of them served short terms and were killed. They were all in some way relatives of Nebuchadnezzar, but none were as great. The current reigning king is Nabonidus, who served the longest after Nebuchadnezzar, about 17 years. But he wasn't around much in the city of Babylonia. And Nabonidus had an eldest son named Belshazzar, not to be confused with Daniel's Babylonian name Belteshazzar.

So this kid, Belshazzar, was a coregent, meaning he was given the lead over Babylonia while his father was away. So in just a moment, we are going to read the text. And when I do, I want you to imagine Belshazzar as the spoiled rich, entitled son he is. And here's why. This day is the last night of the neo-Babylonian empire. The Persians are encamped outside, and everyone knows it. From what we know in history, the Persians have taken control of just about everything but the capital city of Babylonia. And as we know, this city was a fortress. Its walls were massive, and in the city were enough resources for the people to survive untouched for 20 years. So here's what happens.

King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine in front of the thousand. Belshazzar, when he tasted the wine, commanded that the vessels of gold and of silver that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. Then they brought in the golden vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. — Daniel 5:1-4

This is a party to end all parties. And it's not a party because they think the end is near. It's a party gathered to spite the Persians. They got the music thumping loud enough so the enemy could hear. They got the grills and smokers lit so that the Persians could smell them cooking. They are taking selfies and posting them to their social media accounts because they just don't care. This is a party out of sheer spite because they are just that arrogant. They think nothing can stop them. And the guy in the leader's seat is an arrogant and entitled young man who thinks his city is impenetrable. But as we will see, he takes it way too far. He offends God by taking the holy elements from God's temple and defiling them.

This whole chapter is about one thing. It's about taking things way too far with God. Because you see, God will give us latitude in this life. He allows it. He will allow us to make mistakes, act stupid, and say foolish things. But there's a point God draws a line. He has a hard line for all men. And fellas, you don't want to cross that line with God. Because if you do, God will show up, and there will be hell to pay. So guys, in the life you are given don't cross the line with God. Don't let a spiteful spirit take you over the line. Stop toeing that line, and let the Spirit lead, not spite.

ASK THIS: Where in your life are you toeing the line?

DO THIS: Step back a bit, and let the Spirit lead, not your spite.

PRAY THIS: God, I have taken some things way too far. Give me the strength to step back.

PLAY THIS: Spirit Lead Me.

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