SCRIPTURE: Daniel 9:20-27
OBSERVATION:
God sends the angel Gabriel to Daniel after he prays… must be nice!
The “insight and understanding” is mysterious, yet the gist of the prophecy is clear: a time of restoration is coming when the messiah will come, but he will be cut off and the city and temple destroyed (AD 70). For a period of time the power of evil will seem to rule, until the appointed (decreed) time when it will end. It will be a time of great evil, but it will not last forever.
APPLICATION:
Are we in the time of the inbetween, when evil seems to reign, but does so under the decree (or sovereign authority) of God and His anointed messiah? True, the anointed one is not here, and evil seems to have the upper hand. But God is still God, and the Messiah is still in charge, and the days of evil are numbered. This requires faith to believe what does not seem evident.
Even though God sends an angel, his message is vague, though hopeful, just enough to keep Daniel hanging on. Isn’t that what the Bible still does today?
PRAYER:
Lord, though many times I find the words of the Bible vague or difficult, yet the basic message is clear. Help me not get distracted by the details, and cling to the underlying promise! Amen.
Daniel reminds me also of Job. Both prayed not only for their own sins but also for the sins of others. Daniel for the sins of Israel and Job for the sins of his children. Lord, help me in my prayer life to include more of those around me. Expand this part of my life in You.
As Daniel was praying the angel came to give Daniel insight and understanding. The first chapter of Daniel already gives these characteristics of Daniel and his friends – the Lord God had given them knowledge, skill in learning and wisdom. only those in the Lord are truly wise men, also today. As Daniel walked close to the Lord in faith and practice, may I too walk close to You Lord in faith and practice, standing on the promises, knowing also that as soon as I pray, an answer also has been given.
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.