Daniel 9::16-19

Jesus was tender hearted but firm. In His encounters with people He always showed compassion. Along with mercy He offered forgiveness for the sins that they had committed with the assurance that if they would change their ways He would give them an abundant eternal life with His Father.

Do you ever consider that maybe people have such a low opinion of Christians because of our words and actions? Do we act like Christ or do we only offer condemnation to the world without the promise of the loving acceptance of the Father He offers to ALL of His creation in the salvation of Jesus Christ. We need to humbly accept the truth that no one is without sin and all of us are deserving of spiritual death. Stop and think before speaking....you may be the only member of the Body of Christ that someone else will see in his lifetime.

It is important to note that the only basis for Daniel’s appeal was the grace of God. Daniel knew full well that all of God’s promises had not come to pass, nor had the blessings been conferred on the regathered and restored people. 

The coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would give man his final chance at redemptive salvation.

Daniel 9:16-19

¹⁶ “O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. ¹⁷ Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. ¹⁸ O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. ¹⁹ O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”