Chapter 9 begins with Daniel pleading with God to bring about the promised return of his people to their land. From reading the Word of the Lord, Daniel remembered that the prophet Jeremiah prophesied Israel would be in captivity for 70 years (“This entire land will become a desolate wasteland. Israel and her neighboring lands will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.” Jeremiah 25:11). Daniel realized this 70 year period was almost over.
As Daniel was praying for his nation, He confessed his own sin, using the pronoun “we” throughout his prayer. We must think long and hard about this… In times of adversity, do we tend to put the blame on others or do we include ourselves as being part of the blame? Remember Jesus saying not to pull the speck out of someone else’s eye if we have a log in ours? First, examine yourself before looking to others. Don’t play the blame game. I just thought of this-it’s a good example-Yesterday I was on the phone for hours trying to straighten out a problem between my prescription drug insurance company, and the pharmacy. I had to get a drug I needed pre-authorized. After much fighting between my doctor and the insurance company, the drug was finally approved. So for some reason the pharmacy wouldn’t give me the pills that were authorized. I finally got the situation resolved. It took several attempts. I spoke to each one at least two or three times. They each blamed the other. My point is that neither one of them wanted to take responsibility for “their” mistake. This is the same thing as when we sin…take responsibility and confess to God!
The captives from Judah had rebelled against God. Their sins had led to their captivity. But God is merciful even to rebels if they confess their sins and return to Him. Please, please, please…don’t let your past disobedience keep you from turning to God. He is your Creator. He loves you with an unfailing love! He’s waiting for you, and wants you to come home.
“We have refused to listen to your servants the prophets, who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land. Therefore the Lord has brought upon us the disaster he prepared. The Lord our God was right to do all of these things, for we did not obey him.” Daniel 9: 6, 14
Sometimes, the truth hurts. We’d rather hear words that soothe, even if they are false. If you’re unwilling to accept God’s Words, maybe you’re trying to avoid making a painful change. Don’t settle for a soothing lie that will bring harsh judgment. Accepting the truth even if it’s painful can only help you. Daniel spoke about how God continually tried to bring Israel back to himself. Yet even after disaster struck them, they refused to obey Him. God still uses circumstances, other people, and most important, His Word to bring people back to Him.
“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.
O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city-the city that bears your name-lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.
O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.” Daniel 9: 17-19
It would be a mistake to read the Bible as dry history and miss the deep personal feelings and emotions. Daniel was crying out to the Lord. There was a deep concern for his people. He begged for mercy. Can’t you feel the passion in his words? Really think about this…If God would refuse to help us because of our sin, how could we complain? But when He sends His mercy instead of the punishment we deserve, how can we withhold our praise and thanksgiving?