Where Are You Wanting?
If asked this, most would correct the one asking the question, thinking they were asking “what do you desire”? But in the use of “wanting” in the Bible, we see a different meaning. The Bible meaning of “wanting” is: to have a deficiency in; or to be lacking.
This is the idea being conveyed in Daniel when he, through the power of God, interpreted the dream of Belshazzar, king of Babylon. Belshazzar was being “judged” by the Lord in the sense that he had been warned, by the way his father, Nebuchadnezzar had been punished for not giving God the glory. Yet as king, Belshazzar ignored the warning. He received his “final” warning in Daniel 5:27 when Daniel told him part of what the handwriting on the wall said. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
Then, Daniel told him of his demise in Daniel 5:28, as the latter part of the message from the writing on the wall was revealed. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. Belshazzar must have figured this was to occur much later as Daniel 5:29 tells how the king responded to the news that he was “wanting” and his sentence had been given. Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Verse 30 of the same book and chapter makes it very clear that when God makes a declaration that it is to be heeded, because it will come to be. In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. He had been told “where he was wanting”, or lacking, and he ignored the warnings. This sounds like many today, who 1) have been duly warned in the Word of God, and 2) figure they have ample time before making changes that are needed before entering into eternity.
Perhaps yet another reminder is needed. Man has been duly warned in God’s Word about the pending judgment, the demise of the ungodly as well as those who were once saved and then turned away from God. Another way a reminder finally “gets through” is in song. It is a proven fact that most folks remember songs longer than spoken words or those on the printed page. Possibly, this is due to the tune “sticking” in their mind.
We have a few excellent hymns that can serve as a reminder of the fate that awaits those that fail to obey God, or fail to continue in obedience. One such song is “Standing Outside”. This song was written in 1932 by a man named John A. McClung. The warning in its words is chilling. Maybe the words of this song will cause someone to stop and consider “where they are wanting”.
Standing Outside
Judgment is surely coming. Coming to you and me.
We will be judged that morning for all eternity.
Some will go into Heaven. Others will be denied.
Will you be in that number, Standing outside?
Standing outside while loved ones, Enter that pearly gate.
Knowing that there forever, You will then separate.
To be away from loved ones, And by your God denied.
O what an awful picture, Standing outside?
Can you not see the picture of those who’re lost in sin,
Standing outside the portals, Without a hope to win?
Souls crushed with deepest sorrow, Without a friend to guide?
O what an awful picture, Standing outside?
Chorus
Standing outside the portals, Standing outside denied,
Knowing that with the demons Ever you shall abide.
Never to share the beauties, Waiting the sanctified.
O what an awful picture, Standing outside?
Don’t let your friends and loved ones be left “Standing Outside”. Make sure that you have done all you can to bring them to Christ. Invite them to Bible studies and to worship services. Help them have opportunity to hear the warnings God has given in His Word so they can make informed choices.
And equally important, don’t be afraid to live a righteous life before them, as Daniel did. He did not fear the king, or what the king might do to him. Serve God in all areas of life, not fearing what man can or may do to you. Fear being left “Standing Outside”. As stated in Matthew 10:28 by Jesus Himself: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. When “weighed in the balances” will you “be found wanting?”
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
