Acts 2:23-24
Read Acts 2:23-24
Helpful Background Information:
At the tail end of Daniel 5, we see Daniel’s interpretation of the writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. Specifically, Daniel states in verse 25, “‘Mene’ means that God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end.” God is sovereign over history and over every year, every day, and every second of everyone’s life. Belshezzar ruled with pride and arrogance, and in the Lord’s sovereign decision, was given no time to repent. After this pronouncement of judgement, Daniel’s interpretation was fulfilled, as Belshazzar dropped dead “that very night.”
In our verses today, Peter makes an astonishing claim. The Lord Jesus Christ gave himself up to be killed by the “determined plan and foreknowledge” of God. The Father not only anticipated the future, but he also determined that this event take place according to his plan to accomplish the salvation of his people. Despite the emphasis on God’s sovereignty, Peter is just as quick to emphasize human responsibility in the manner, as the betrayal and death of Jesus took place “with the help of wicked men.”
Here, we see a fascinating comparison between the King of kings, Jesus Christ, and the prideful king Belshazzar. Both Jesus’s and Belshazzar’s days were numbered. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came into the world to fulfill the role given to him by God the Father, and in humility glorified the Father and accomplished the ultimate rescue for unworthy people. Meanwhile, Belshazzar faced the Lord’s judgment. He may have enjoyed earthly wealth and riches, but it ended with him losing all of it, including his eternal destiny.
Reflection Questions:
Reflect on the idea that our days are “numbered” by God. How does that shape your priorities and how you spend your time?
Compare Belshazzar’s pride with Jesus’ humility. Where do you see tendencies of pride in your own life? How can you better model Jesus’s humility? (See Philippians 2 for encouragement!)
Further considering the contrast between Belshazzar and Jesus, what other contrasts between their character can you make? How does this help you to glorify Christ and have a heart posture of thanksgiving towards him?