“4I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying ‘O Lord the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with who love him and keep his commandments,’” – Daniel 9:4 (ESV)
Daniel begins chapter 9 with remembrance of Jeremiah’s prophecy of the destruction of Judah. He has been counting the years and realizes that the destruction is close at hand and reaches out to God to make his case to be spared the desolation. As the verses progress, Daniel calls out his understanding that they have sinned against God. Then in verse 18 we see the plea from Daniel.
“18O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.” – Daniel 9:18 (ESV)
Daniel does not ask for reprieve because they deserve it (even though they are God’s chosen people), but because of God’s great mercy.
When reading, I see that Daniel uses the word “we” when speaking to God. He was not excluding himself, if anything, he was owning the transgressions of the people and declaring his sins as well as theirs. Am I somehow above the sins of those around me? Am I “better” and deserve God’s reprieve?
God provides his love and mercy to us all. He gives and takes not because of who we are, but because of who he is. It is not about us, it is about him.
When we speak with God, are we asking for forgiveness because we feel that somehow we “deserve” it? Do we feel we are better and deserve more/better things? When you look closely at yourself, are you walking in the mercy of God?
Trevor's Thoughts 