Listen, Forgive and Act

This morning I thought I would read a bit in the book of Daniel. In Chapter nine is one of the great instances of intercession described in the Bible, as Daniel was reading the book of Jeremiah, and realized that all that God had said through Jeremiah had been fulfilled. He realized there was also a promise that the time in Babylon would only last 70 years, and he realized those 70 years had elapsed. At that realization he started praying, asking God to fulfil the rest of His word, that of restoration to Jerusalem. The verse that caught my attention are from then end of his prayer as follows: Daniel 9:17-19 NIV:

[17]“Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. [18] Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. [19] Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

Daniel has the correct perspective, recognizing that God is merciful, and that although they were not righteous, that God could still choose to act for the sake if His name, and the fulfillment of His promises. His plea was not that God look at the good things and penance that the people had done, but rather that He look at His word and promises and the state of His people.

The reality is that none of us is righteous, nor can we attain the righteousness required by God. None of us is worthy of God's intervention, yet He intervened and made a way for us, just like He did for the Jewish people in captivity. He made us all righteous through Jesus death, and welcomed us into relationship with Him through Jesus' sacrifice, death and resurrection. We have been restored and redeemed. God did listen, forgive and act on our behalf.

Thank You Lord for the great gift of salvation! Thank You Lord for Your mercy and forgiveness! Thank You Lord for acting on our behalf, for making a way for us all to be in relationship with You!