October 20, 2018
What does it say?
God sent Gabriel to give insight in response to Daniel’s prayer. God promised to atone for sin, establish His righteous kingdom on Earth, and enthrone His Anointed One.
What does it mean?
Daniel was given understanding of the Scriptures as he studied the prophecies of Jeremiah, which moved him to prayer and fasting. Throughout Daniel’s heartfelt prayer, two things flooded his thoughts: God’s righteous character and the depth of his people’s sins. He confessed sin on the basis of God’s mercy alone, knowing that no person has righteousness within himself. To reassure Daniel of His love for Israel, God sent Gabriel to reveal the future of Jerusalem and the Anointed One, Who would provide atonement for sin and establish His righteousness on Earth.
How should I respond?
What are you counting on to be right with God? It’s important to know that you cannot rely on anything within yourself. No one is good enough to stand before the Lord in a natural, sinful state. God has mercifully provided atonement for our sin through Jesus. He imparts His righteousness when you confess and repent of sin and receive God’s forgiveness. When God looks at a follower of Christ, He no longer sees your sin, He sees Christ’s righteousness. How will that fact impact your choices to- day? Maintain prayerfulness and your study of Scripture so you can live to please God when temptation to sin rears its head.