“And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments” (Daniel 9:4).
TEXT — Daniel 9:4-19
Message
The Bible’s prophetic passages elicit a range of reactions from readers. Some find them captivating and enlightening, while others find them perplexing and challenging to understand. And yet, some view them as a detailed guide for the future, while others see them as mere religious writings. For many, the question remains: ‘How do these prophetic passages affect me’?
Today’s passage describes Daniel’s prayer after he understood Jeremiah’s prophecy that Israel’s captivity would last seventy years. As the seventy years neared an end, Daniel began to pray for his nation, seeking God’s mercy. Much has been written about Daniel’s intercessory prayer, highlighting his humility, selflessness, sense of collective responsibility, deep reverence for God, and proper grasp of divine attributes. However, this prayer also, calls our attention to an often overlooked aspect: the appropriate response to biblical prophecies.
Jeremiah predicted Israel’s captivity and the defeat of Babylon. When the Persians conquered Babylon, Daniel’s response was that of repentance rather than celebration or negotiations for immediate release. He understood that spiritual restoration was necessary before physical return to their land. Daniel realised that simply returning to Judah without repenting from the sin that caused their captivity would be meaningless. He chose to focus on restoring a sound relationship with God first, recognising that God’s promise of restoring Israel would only be fulfilled if the people turned back to Him. Repentance was the key to true restoration and freedom.
Daniel’s perspective on living in captivity as a Jew revealed his understanding that God’s true desire for His people is freedom rather than servitude. He viewed exile as a shameful curse, causing confusion and desolation, attributing it all to sin. Unlike focusing on when they would return from captivity, Daniel prioritised addressing the root cause of their situation and their readiness to return. This challenges us to not just decipher prophecy but to engage in an introspective conversation with God, leading to repentance and a fervent rejection of sin. Daniel’s example serves as a powerful lesson for us today, emphasising the importance of responding to God’s message with introspection and a commitment to righteousness.
Thought for the day
Don’t just accumulate scriptural knowledge; let it move you to action.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
According to the book of Jeremiah 32 read to us in 2020 in daily manna,the rever is the case . Looking at the situation of things,its what those that didn’t identify with Christ in early 80s faced is what believers face today.
The question is ‘where is the promise of Ps
alm 23.Where is the promise of difference.
Lord help
According to the book of Jeremiah 32 read to us in 2020 in daily manna,the rever is the case . Looking at the situation of things,its what those that didn’t identify with Christ in early 80s faced is what believers face today.
The question is ‘where is the promise of Ps
alm 23.Where is the promise of difference.
Lord help
If ots imprisonment in disguise,i think it shouldn’t be life imprisonment.24/7 connection with high radiation.