Daniel reads Jeremiah, repents and pleads for God’s mercy

Daniel 9:1-19

AIM: What repentance looks like.

A) Daniel reads Jeremiah and repents with prayer and fasting

(9:1-2) first year Darius the Mede, son of Ahuerus, Daniel learned from reading word of Lord, revealed to Jeremiah Jerusalem desolate seventy years

(3) turned to Lord, pleaded with him in prayer, fasting, wore rough burlap, ashes

Application: What does my reaction to reading scripture say about my belief that it will come to pass? What miracles in my past cause me to believe in everything God has said? Do I focus my prayers with intensity?  

B) Daniel acknowledges God’s perfect character and our sin

(4) great, awesome God, faithful to covenant, unfailing love to those who love and obey

(5-6) we sinned, wrong, rebelled, scorned commands, refused to listen to your servants who spoke to all

(7-8) Lord, you are right, all are covered with shame, scattered because of our disloyalty to you, our kings, ancestors covered in shame for sin against you

Application: Repentance to God will always humble our hearts and show his righteousness.

C) Daniel acknowledges God’s mercy and righteousness because of our disobedience

(9) Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we rebelled against him.

(10-11) We have not obeyed Lord our God, not followed instruction through servants prophets, all Israel disobeyed instruction, turned away, refusing to listen to your voice – curses and judgements Law of Moses poured down on us because of our sin

(12-13) You kept your word, done what was warned, curse from Moses came true YET we refused to seek mercy from Lord our God by turning from sins and recognizing his truth

(14) Therefore, Lord our God right for we didn’t obey him.

Application: God has given us countless warnings and yet we refuse to seek him.

D) Daniel pleads for mercy for God’s name sake

(15) Lord our God, brought honor to your name rescuing people from Egypt, but we full of sin and wickedness.

(16) View of faithful mercies Lord, please, turn furious anger away from your city Jerusalem – all mock your people because of our sins, sins of ancestors

(17) hear your servants prayer, for your sake – smile again on us

(18) lean down, listen to me, see our despair, city with your name, not because we deserve help but because of your mercy

(19) Lord, forgive, listen and act for your own sake don’t delay

Application: God’s name is a strong and mighty tower. Everyone who calls upon his name will be saved. (Proverbs 18:10;Romans 10:13;Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21)