Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!" — Daniel 4:19

So that you know, Daniel is about to deliver some terrible news to his opposition. And let's remember this king is politically, religiously, philosophically, and pragmatically opposed to him and his God. And this is just a guess, but I think most men in this situation would be delighted. They would be delighted that God was bringing justice to this king. He has, after all, done some awful things to God's people, and he's rejected God.

But the way Daniel stewards this bad news is notable. We learn from his example how a man of God stewards challenging moments. We read here that he is dismayed and alarmed. And so he approaches this situation with respect and care because he has to deliver some news that means Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom is ending. 

The reality is that God's man is always given tremendous responsibility for both the good news and the bad news. Now we love the good news because it's good. But to share the good news, we have to share the bad news. And we have to share the bad news in a way that others can know the truth of sin and see hope in God. And I think Daniel, at this moment, feels the weight of this stewardship and therefore is dismayed and alarmed. He's not just afraid of how Nebuchadnezzar might respond, but he's experiencing a reverent fear of a message God he was called to steward.

Fellas, today, you're walking into a world that needs both the good news and bad news. So charge into it with a reverent fear that God will bring you into someone's life to deliver those messages. And when that moment comes, and you tremble, say what God is calling you to say. And don't make it about you. It's not your message. It's God's. All of it. Both the good and bad. It's what he is going to use to point them to him.

ASK THIS: Who is one person you need to tell the truth to today?

DO THIS: Share their first name only below.

PRAY THIS: God, it's your message, not mine. May I say it your way, not mine.

PLAY THIS: The Gospel.

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