Daniel 9:9
The scripture for today is Daniel 9:9
Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
Daniel precedes this declaration with, “O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you.” Daniel 9:8 Daniel realized the condition of the people. It was their sin that led to their captivity in Babylon and although God had given them ample time and opportunity to turn from their transgressions, they persisted in their rebellion. There was no hope for redemption based on their obedience; they had none. “Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets.” Daniel 9:10
The only hope for the nation was that “mercy and forgiveness” belong to God. And, there was an intercessor standing in the gap, praying to God for His mercy and forgiveness. Daniel was that intercessor and God heard his prayer.
The enemy has always sought inroads into the hearts of God’s people. He uses various strategies to move the people of God away from the message of love and faithful obedience. Israel did not go from following God to worshiping idols overnight. They were first led into compromise, and from compromise to union with evil, and from union with evil to outright rejection of God.
Today, too often, the church joins the world through creeping compromise, and then gradually, the next steps are upon us. But, because of His love and mercy, God will not give up on us. He will deliver His people. And, through the prayers of intercession, we will hear from heaven, just as Daniel did. God will have a people in the last days who turn to Him with all of their hearts and inherit the promises that He has given. May we be included in that number.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim