TODAY IN THE WORD
The great English reformer and Bible translator William Tyndale was strangled and burned at the stake for his actions of faith. After a long imprisonment and despite the diligent efforts of his friends to get him released, Tyndale's strongest desire was actually not for freedom or mercy. He likely could have been freed had he merely denounced his claims of faith. His last moment was spent pleading, not on his behalf, but for the heart of the king and the spread of God's Word. With his final breath, he said, “Lord, open the king of England's eyes.”

Daniel's response to the king was not intended to earn himself glory or power. He didn't candy coat the message of the writing on the wall to ease Belshazzar's fears or temper his reaction. He said he didn't want the king's gifts. And before he translated the writing on the wall, Daniel gave the king a thorough explanation of why the writing had come in the first place. He recounted Nebuchadnezzar's great power and his seven-year lesson in humility. He even criticized Belshazzar's failure to learn from the lessons of the past and his foolhardy drunken offenses against God.

When he finally read and translated the message, the tone didn't get any cheerier. Belshazzar's days were numbered. He had been weighed and found wanting. His kingdom was destined for the Medes and Persians. Again, this is one of those messages that the wise men were not likely to have translated for the king, even if they could. The king was already filled with fear and anxiety. Informing him that he was on the way out doesn't seem to be the best way to advance your career. But Daniel didn't fear the consequences of telling the king the truth. He spoke for God without flinching, and he confronted the most powerful man in the world at that moment. He had no reason to fear. Daniel knew that the most powerful king still rested in the palm of God's hand, and he made sure the king knew that, too.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Most of us aren't slow to react when someone offends us—when we get cut off in traffic, it might be second nature to honk the horn in protest. But we don't always react that way when someone offends God. We should switch our priorities around today. Keep an eye out for attitudes and actions that blatantly defy God's glory. But don't start with your local politicians or your boss. The first place to look for sinful pride that offends God is in your own heart.

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