King Belshazzar and his guests drank from vessels stolen from the temple in Jerusalem. Immediately some human fingers appeared and began writing on the wall. No one could interpret what was written, so Daniel was summoned. He then interpreted the message after refusing the king's gifts: the king had put himself higher than the Lord of heaven by using the sacred vessels; therefore, his kingdom would fall to his enemies. There are consequences for thinking that one is higher than the Lord!

Jesus warned the disciples that they would be persecuted for their faith. Harassment would come from the Jews in the synagogues and from the Gentiles in the government. But this would provide the disciples with the opportunity to testify about Jesus before the authorities. Jesus would provide them with the words, so they need not be concerned about what to say. Betrayal and hatred would come to the disciples because of their faithfulness to Jesus. The good news was that if they endured, they would gain their souls. That message is the same for us today as we journey through life in a world that does not seem to honour our faith.