Daniel 9:20-27
Friday, 27 August 2021
“While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me…” -Daniel 9:21
Intercession is one of the effective elements of prayer a child of God possesses. God expects His children to intercede for people, for cities and nations, and for servants of God. In today’s reading, we see Daniel interceding for his nation and God providing an immediate response, even before the intercessor rose from his knees. The most powerful resource for a Christian, is his communion with God in prayer.
Though Daniel was a good person, he examines himself for any sin and confesses it before God. (Vs.20). If we come to a realization of our sinfulness and repent of it before God on a daily basis, thus lead a holy life, then the work of Christ on the cross becomes meaningful to us. Our right standing before God should always be the basis in prayer. 1 John 3:21 says: “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.”
Daniel’s confession was followed by an immediate revelation of the coming of Messiah (Vs.25 & 26). The Holy Spirit first convicts the soul of its sin and then points to Christ, “The Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
It’s true that our sins are forgiven when we receive Christ into our lives—at our salvation. But a daily purification is needed to remove the barrier to fellowship with God (not for acceptance before God). The Scripture reminds us to catch the little foxes that ruin the vineyard (Song of Songs 2:15).
On several occasions, our ego prevents us from total surrender to God. We need humility and honesty before God to recognize our shortfalls. Be sure that He will not reject us; instead He will only bring us near to Him. Never try to stand with your own self- righteous works; for it is like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64: 6). Genuine confession involves a commitment not to continue in the same way.
Daniel’s prayer was for his own people and for the holy city. He pleaded with God for the Holy City after he captured the prophecy of Jeremiah (Daniel 9:2). When we pray for something which God has promised, He gives the answer as He is faithful to His promises! Daniel was told of what would happen to his people and the city of Jerusalem, also pointing to the events of the end times and the reign of the Messiah.
We are living in the end times when many prophecies written in God’s Word are fulfilled. The Age of Grace that we live can close at any moment with the trumpet call of Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The exact time and hour is not known to any one except our Father in heaven. But understanding the Biblical prophecies and the world scenario today clearly convicts us that the end time is very close. Very soon the door of the “Ark of Grace” will be closed before the world. Are you sure of your place inside?? Receive Jesus as the way of salvation. For those who are saved and eagerly await Christ’s return, would you have a heart like Daniel to pray for the salvation of your loved ones?
Meditate on: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
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