October 5, 2026 Devo

The first words written on the wall for Belshazzar were “mene, mene.” The word “mene” means “numbered.” Like many kings, Belshazzar lived under the illusion that his kingdom would last forever. It wouldn’t. Or if he had the good sense to know it wouldn’t last forever, he probably at least imagined it lasting for a long, long time. It wouldn’t. In fact, his kingdom was coming to an end THAT NIGHT. Belshazzar’s days were numbered. And that “number” was a lot smaller than he thought!
It’s usually that way for most of us. I met with a man and his daughters just one week ago to talk about his wishes for his funeral one day. His health has been up and down the last few years, and they wanted to have things ready. I gave them a form to fill out so they could list everything they wanted for his final service. We talked, laughed, and then prayed together. He was quite alert and active, and as I left, I thought, “Well, it’ll be at least a few months before I’m doing his funeral.” He died last night—one week to the day after we met.
Psalm 90:12 is a prayer that says, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Great prayer. In other words, let us live in such a way that when it comes time to die, all we have left to do is DIE. Belshazzar wasn’t ready when his “number” came up. Will WE be? None of us know what our “number” is. We may have years. We may have just a week. For some of us, it may be TONIGHT. Are we ready?
Let me give you a few challenges. Get right with God. Do it today so that when your number is called, you’ll hear Him say, “Welcome home!” Make things right with those you care about. Say “I’m sorry” to those who need to hear it. Say “I love you” to those you want to know it. Stop the pettiness and the silly arguments that create distance between us. And can I say one last thing as a pastor? Get your funeral plans together. Don’t make those you love have to plan a service while they're grieving and taking care of a thousand other details. Love them enough to just let them follow the script that you have prepared. Trust me, it’ll be one of the greatest gifts you will have given them. Oh yes, and do it this week. Because you never know when your number is up! That’s God’s Word for you today.