Connecting Daniel 5 to Our Modern Moment
Introduction: A Morning Newsfeed and an Unusual Message
As usual, I began my morning by browsing the news feed to catch up on the latest headlines. One headline jumped out: “Government Workers’ Autoreplies Used for Political Messaging.” The article described how, during the recent government shutdowns, employees’ automatic email replies—normally a bland “I am out of the office”—had become unexpected platforms for political statements. Instead of the usual service interruption notice, some autoreplies now included pointed remarks about the shutdown’s causes and consequences, making the automated message itself a kind of protest, commentary or blaming the other side.
Personal Background: Consulting Behind the Scenes During Shutdowns
This story struck a chord with me, recalling my own experience as a consultant working with government agencies. During shutdowns, the atmosphere in the office changes: uncertainty, frustration, and a sense of helplessness ripple through teams. As a contractor, I’ve seen how critical communication becomes—and how every message, even an out-of-office reply, is important. When the government grinds to a halt, even the smallest note can carry big meaning letting others know you’re out of the office indefinitely.
Scripture Connection: Daniel 5 and Belshazzar’s Feast
The news article reminded me of a story from the book of Daniel, chapter 5, verses 18-31. In this ancient account, King Belshazzar holds a lavish party, using sacred vessels from the Jewish temple—a sign of arrogance and disregard for what’s sacred. Suddenly, a mysterious hand appears and writes a message on the wall: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin.” Daniel, a wise advisor, is called to interpret the words. The key phrase, “Tekel,” means “you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.” In other words, Belshazzar’s actions were measured, and he didn’t measure up. That very night, his kingdom fell.
Phrase Explained: What Does “Found Wanting” Mean?
“Found wanting” is a phrase that has stuck with us for centuries. In simple terms, it means being evaluated and coming up short—not living up to expectations or standards. The origin comes directly from Daniel 5, where the king’s character and decisions are judged and found insufficient. Today, we use it in everyday speech to describe situations where performance, honesty, or integrity don’t meet the mark.
Reflection: Parallels Between Scripture and Today’s Headlines
So, what does an ancient king and a modern leadership, and a government email have in common? Both are about accountability—being held to a standard, whether by a higher power, the public, or personal conscience. In Daniel’s time, judgment was swift and dramatic. Today, our “judgments” can be subtler but no less important. Nowadays, when employee emails are used erroneously by leadership to share incorrect information or to shift blame onto others, it is misleading.
When government officials use automated employee responses to convey information, they risk constructing a misleading narrative and exposing the system’s shortcomings or worse—in other words, the system is “found wanting.” This phrase means that something has been judged as insufficient or not up to standard after scrutiny. When it comes to deceptive emails, the issue centers on fairness and integrity. It serves as a reminder that all actions and communications are subject to evaluation—not only by those in authority, but also by the public they are meant to serve.
Having worked through shutdowns myself, I’ve seen firsthand how easily trust and credibility can erode when transparency is lacking. Those little messages—whether from an ancient wall or a modern inbox—are signals. They ask us to consider: Are we living up to our responsibilities? Are our institutions meeting the needs of the people? Are we, in our own roles, “found wanting” or are we striving to do better?
Conclusion: Lessons on Judgment, Standards, and Personal Responsibility
The story of Belshazzar and the recent news about government autoreplies both point to a central lesson: Accountability matters. Whether we’re kings, presidents, government workers, consultants or citizens, our actions are measured against standards—sometimes official, sometimes moral, sometimes simply the expectations of those around us. Being “weighed and found wanting” isn’t just an ancient warning. It’s a call to reflect, to improve, and to take responsibility for what we say and do, especially when others are watching and depending on us.
As we navigate tricky times—shutdowns, debates, frustrations—let’s remember the lessons from Daniel 5. Let’s strive to be found worthy, not wanting, in the roles we play every day.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 