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As at the end of each lesson there is an opportunity for "any questions and comments", I leave here my vision of this chapter and saying that this comment has no personal connotation, but what I believe to be the real discernment about this story. The Bible is a timeless book. It does not merely serve as information for us to learn about what happened in the past, in past Christian cultures, or in cultures in general, ancient cultures as a whole. The Bible also serves a purpose for today. Every chapter written in the Bible, every passage, has a temporal meaning. God ordained that everything written in the Bible was recorded for two purposes: one, for that time, to provide information, and another to transform the behavior of the reader. It was for that time, addressed to a specific people, a specific person, or a specific nation, but it must also apply to today, to our lives. And we must understand that this passage is relevant to us today. God used the writing on the wall to bring judgment upon Belshazzar, and Jesus used a whip to bring judgment upon the merchants who were also using the "vessels" of the temple for their own pleasures and idolatry of Mammon. These two passages were written for the leaders, and those who fail to care for these sacred vessels with zeal and reverence will receive judgment upon their own heads, for God humbles the arrogant and proud but gives grace to the humble. That story for example is a powerful narrative that not only recounts the profane use of sacred vessels but also serves as a warning to leaders of all generations. Just as Belshazzar disrespected the sacred in his arrogance and pride, today's leaders may fall into the same error by using positions of authority, especially within the church, for selfish and personal purposes, forgetting that they were called to serve with humility and reverence. The apostle Paul, when he says that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, in 2 Timothy 2, 3, and 6, reminds us that the word of God is our continuous source of wisdom. It guides us not only in knowledge but also in how to live with integrity and purpose. Therefore, it is up to us, as readers of the Bible, to seek to discern what God is teaching through each passage and how these principles can be lived out in today's world. The story of Belshazzar is a reminder of the seriousness of honoring what is sacred and exercising leadership with fear of God and reverence. The story of Belshazzar was written to correct today's leaders. It was not written for common people, for followers, but it was written for leaders. Leaders are the ones who have the power and authority to command, manipulate, and control. So, it was written for them, warning that if they act like King Belshazzar did, using the temple's sacred items for their own pleasure-which is what many leaders are doing today-there will be consequences. Although they do not use them for the idolatry of visible, literal idols, many leaders today use sacred items, such as positions of authority, and even offerings, for their own pleasure, driven by the idolatry of mammon, and control even to musical instruments. All of this falls under the issue of idolatry. God may hold them accountable for what they are doing, and they may be weighed in the balances. God may hold them accountable for their actions, and they may be punished for it. Belshazzar used the sacred vessels, which were consecrated for God’s service, in a profane and arrogant manner to satisfy his own desires. This teaches us that when leaders, whether religious or secular, use the "sacred vessels" - meaning the resources, roles, and positions entrusted to them by God - for personal or selfish gain, they put their standing before God at risk. The phrase "You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting" (Daniel 5:27) serves as a solemn reminder that God judges the actions of leaders with justice. This warning is even more relevant today because many leaders, especially in the context of the church, have abused their authority to manipulate, exploit, or serve their own interests. These leaders forget that their position is, above all, one of service to God and to others. When they turn what is sacred into something profane or trivial, they risk facing God's judgment. Although the story of Belshazzar was written for leaders, it is also an indirect warning for all of us. As followers, we must discern and choose to follow leaders who seek justice, humility, and the fear of God. Moreover, we should pray for our leaders, so they remain steadfast in the path of integrity and do not succumb to the temptations of power. God is just and will hold every leader accountable for what they have done with the authority given to them. The story of Belshazzar is a clear call for leaders to reflect on how they are using what has been entrusted to them. Blessings !!

24:43 ... The most impactful moment !

Thank you , Scott !! Excellent message about wealth and poverty, friends and enemies, salvation and perdition. It's a pity that even after hearing a profound message like this, little or nothing will change in our lives!

19:18 - What is this man's name ?

Promo*SM 🌈

I can sit in a classroom with this teacher

What a great teacher who doesn't need notes?? Who can do that other than an awesome child of God. I am so blessed with having Caroline, you, and our wonderful life group as a part of my life. God bless you!

Absolutely great lesson!

Well done, Russell. Strong words in a difficult time.

Good word!

Great lesson! Love the piano intro. :)

Sermon on the Mount really challenges us to understand and follow the spirit of the law.

Thanks for posting these lessons, Russell!

A true study on hate, ignorance and defamation. Using the words of an old book to allow you to hate others, and attempt to make the lives of LBGTQ people less worthy of living. Wow, aren't you a great person. Bravo to you and your church. You must be so proud of yourself.

Fool here, as well! 🙌🏻

What an awesome, detailed explanation/clarification of Acts 4! Thank you for using your gift of teaching!

Very good / thought-provoking lesson!