Text: Daniel 9:1-27
This was corporate confession of sin (vv.18-19). Daniel had experienced so much pain and suffering as an exile. The people that God had chosen for Himself were absolutely covered in shame. No other Temple on earth had known or experienced the Shekinah Glory of Yahweh’s presence. No other people had been called to represent God on earth and declare His truth. But the ugly truth is that they had been suffering the consequences of sin for generations. Daniel knows that the prophecies of God are true and real, and there is a set time for this present suffering. Yet God only ends the suffering because of His mercy, not just because there is a prophetic time table. This is not mathematics. This is divine mercy and forgiveness which only God can give. Daniel is painfully aware of this, and does the only rational thing that anyone can do, humbly ask for mercy. This is all anyone of us can do, for we are His creation, His people.
This is the most wonderful answer to a prayer for mercy! (v.24). Once again the Angel Gabriel is sent to bring a message of deliverance and hope. This prophecy not only speaks of the end of the exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, but of a healing far greater than a physical restoration. There will be a future “Anointed One” (v.26) who will atone for sin and bring in everlasting righteousness. What Daniel is receiving is nothing less than a prophecy of the coming Messiah! Not only would the Temple be restored, but a true spiritual restoration between God and man. But this would not be an easy thing, for He would be cut off via the sacrifice of Himself. But the blessing in this is that He would be the end of sacrifice and offering (v.27). His precious blood would atone for the sins of all, and make a way for us to enter into the holy place. That is, we would now be able to enter into intimate fellowship with God! Daniel is nothing less than a prophet of the Gospel. Praise the Lord that all of this has happened!
Meditate on verses 18-19. How are you going to apply them to your life?
O my God, Lord of all glory and mercy, incline Your ear and hear. For we do
not present our pleas before You because of our righteousness; but because of Your great mercy. In the name of Jesus Christ we have prayed. Amen.