The writing is on the wall

 We use the expression - the writing is on the wall every so often to mean that there is an end coming - something bad usually.  As we look at the origin of this expression we use this expression all wrong.  What I mean by that is that usually we think of this as something beyond our control - someone or something has made it so that we cannot complete or do what we wanted to do - the writing is on the wall.  In reality, the story (you can read it in Daniel chapter 5) is all about the fact that the king did not honor God properly.  There was something he could have and should have done that may have led to a different outcome.  He had all of the warning he needed - his father had made the same mistakes.  (the author points this out in verse 18 and following)  He had all of the wisdom that was required and he had all of the information he needed to evaluate and realize that God is truly in charge and that he should follow and surrender to God - the one true King.

Secondly we often use this in the context of a warning of potential doom.  The writing is on the wall.  In reality, the biblical narrative indicates that the writing is a matter of impending doom - unavoidable - the choice has already been made.  There is not chance for repentance, the matter is settled.  In other words, if you are not honoring God in the here and now, there may not be a chance for you to repent - the writing on the wall is a writing of judgment.  And we are going to be judged.  The only way out of judgment is through and the only way we avoid being judged for our own work is to accept the work of another - Jesus Christ - in our place.  

May I encourage you this day to see the work of Christ as standing in your place.  His hanging on the cross means that the writing that God does on your behalf does not have to be on the wall in judgment, but in the book of life in grace.