Daniel 4:1-2 “Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.”
The FINAL chapter of King Nebuchadnezzar’s life?
At least in the Book of Daniel, thirty years have passed since the fiery furnace incident in Chapter 3. Daniel is now in his mid-fifties and Nebuchadnezzar is approaching 70, he had ruled Babylon for nearly 35 years. By this time, his enemies have all been defeated, such that he rules the largest kingdom in the history of the world. The royal treasury is bursting at the seams, and he has completed several impressive building projects. In short, these are the golden years of his reign.
If I was to ask you, “What was the most important day of your life?” Wedding day, the birth of a child, being cancer-free? In this world, the greatest thing that happens is when someone decides to repent, give their heart to Jesus, and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. That’s the greatest thing: somewhere in this world someone will repent, believe in Jesus, and ask Christ into their heart. We are living in such a dark time of wars and political games that drive the news, but it did 30 years ago, too. Tomorrow always brings change, but the most important date for me is January 11, 2009, when Jesus saved me. So ten, twenty, or thirty years from now, it doesn’t matter, I belong to Jesus. That is the most important day of my life. In Chapter 4 we get a personal letter from King Nebuchadnezzar and his testimony. If I asked you to share your
testimony today, could you?
Be sensitive to the Spirit. How many times do you struggle to make something happen, but when you stop to pray, the Holy Spirit gives you the perfect solution and your task is accomplished in no time? Being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit is critical when sharing the gospel with others. Humbly build a bridge. At my college there was a green grassy area called “the mall” where students hung out, studied, played Frisbee, and so on. Often there’d be someone standing out on the mall sharing the gospel by yelling at passersby telling them that they were going to hell. I never once saw someone stop and talk to the yeller and say, “Oh you are right. I’ll go ahead and become a Christian now.” When we approach people with humility and respect, they are more receptive to what we have to say. People want to know that you, and Jesus, genuinely care about them. Jesus treated the Samaritan woman in John 4 with respect and, in turn, she and her entire community became believers.
Arouse Interest. In a world where so many are busy, tired, and hurting, it won’t take much to arouse interest. People want to know that the things in their lives matter to another human being. When you take time to talk to others, open a door to share the gospel, take a genuine interest in them and they will take interest in what you have to say.
Reveal Sin. Today, pointing out sin is not PC and equals disrespect and being unloving. I am an emotion-based person, so the idea that someone could feel disrespected or unloved based on my words or actions is devastating. At the same time, this isn’t about me. I am a sinner saved by grace, so talking about someone’s sin isn’t about pointing and condemning – it’s about extending Christ’s freedom to that person. It’s telling them that the junk they struggle with – sin – doesn’t have to be an ongoing struggle.
Someone has to go out and share the good news, share your testimony today. When sharing your testimony, you’re your past, keep it brief, and don’t glorify the sin and they spend way too much time on you than on God. Testimony is not about you. It’s about what God has done for you. Who’s the star of the testimony of God. Keep it simple. I know when I first share it was off the cuff it was about me. But I learn how to write it out. The Book of Daniel Chapter Four is an amazing chapter, we get the testimony of the Babylonian King who is now a new believer in God and His testimony is included in the Bible. Something very important that King Nebuchadnezzar says is he wants “all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth to know the Most High God.” We should have that same priority in our life to share Christ with as many people as possible every day. You can share with all peoples, nations, and languages today because of technology. We have no excuse. Wherever you go, you will run into to so many family members, friends, and people in the country to share Christ. So many are hurting today and looking for answers, you have the answer, Jesus.
Devotional Provided By:
Pastor Michael Petit
Calvary Chapel Devine
VFW 3966 211 West College Ave.
Devine, Texas 78016
210-727-4624
calvarydevine.org
FEASTing on the Word
is an encouraging devotional provided by guest contributors each month.
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