Hear, Forgive, Listen, Act
This morning I spoke at a chapel service at a local assisted living facility. They have a great theater where the service takes place. I did get me message in within the fifteen minute target, which I thought was an accomplishment. I then attended the last service at Timberline Church before coming home to mow the grass.
The sun was actually out this morning which was a good start to the day. But we have had some rain off and on through the day.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Listen to us, O God; look at us and see the trouble we are in and the suffering of the city that bears your name. We are praying to you because you are merciful, not because we have done right. Lord, hear us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! In order that everyone will know that you are God, do not delay!” Daniel 9:18,19
Daniel receives some dramatic and troubling visions about what is going to take place in the future. His response is to turn to the Lord in prayer, repentance and imploring the Lord to intervene. The entirety of Daniel’s prayer that beings in verse four contains some important guidelines in seeking the Lord in times of distress.
Daniel begins with worship: giving recognition and honor to the Lord for who He is what He does. “Lord God, you are great, and we honor you. You are faithful to your covenant and show constant love to those who love you and do what you command.“ (Daniel 9:4)
Daniel contrasts the rebellion of people and the righteousness of the Lord. “We have sinned, we have been evil, we have done wrong. We have rejected what you commanded us to do and have turned away from what you showed us was right. We have not listened to your servants the prophets…You, Lord, always do what is right, but we have always brought disgrace on ourselves.” Daniel 9:5,6
God’s people had not only “done” wrong, they made it a lifestyle. Their rebellion was reflected in ignoring the words of the Lord from the prophets. Daniel recognizes the sin of God’s people over the generations, but affirms how the Lord is consistent in His ways.
Daniel reminds the Lord of His mercy and power of deliverance in the past. “O Lord our God, you showed your power by bringing your people out of Egypt, and your power is still remembered...” Daniel 9:15
Daniel implores the Lord to hear and act. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! Daniel 9:18
What we can remember is that regardless of our circumstances or trouble we can turn to the Lord with confidence in the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness to act according to His character and mercy. We approach the Lord not based on our worthiness, but the Lord’s faithfulness and love.
Daniel learned from an angelic visit, how much the Lord is aware of our cries. The angel Gabriel appears and tells him: “When you began to plead with God, he answered you…” Daniel 9:23
We usually don’t have angels giving us reassurance, but we have God’s Word that let’s us know that when we cry…He hears; when we plead…He answers. Whatever your situation. Whether issues have been cause by your own sin or the sin of others or neither; seek the Lord and know that He hears, listens, forgives and acts.