READING: Daniel 7-9
“Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord.”
Daniel 9:9
Sometimes confession is just plain painful. It’s especially tough when you get a glimpse of the glory and grace of God. In today’s reading, Daniel’s confession on behalf of his people as God prepared to judge Babylon is both gripping and convicting.
First, he prayed “with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (Dan. 9:3). All of these signs represent Daniel’s great grief and contrition over the sin of the people. Repentance marked the heart of the prophet.
Second, Daniel could only pile up the terms to describe their sin in the face of a God who is the “great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands” (Dan. 9:4). The phrases are numerous, like their sin: “we have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled, and turned away from your commands and ordinances. We have not listened to your servants the prophets . . . . public shame belongs to us . . . we have rebelled against him” (Dan. 9:4-9). When you truly see God, the names of your sins just keep falling from your lips.
Third, Daniel knew that their only chance rested in a forgiving God. “Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord” (Dan. 9:9), he wrote, and a rebellious people had no hope apart from that. In fact, Daniel could only say, “For we are not presenting our petitions before you based on our righteous acts, but based on your abundant compassion” (Dan. 9:18) – and his repetitive cries to God echoed his numerous phrases of their sin: “Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Lord, listen and act!” (Dan. 9:19).
And here’s the good news: God does indeed forgive!
ACTION STEPS:
- Take time to let God show you all your sin today. The list may be extensive, but God’s grace is wider.
- Thank God for His abundant compassion.
PRAYER: “Lord, hear! Lord, forgive! Thank you, Father.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Daniel 10-12