7/28/24 - Confess, Ask, Expect - Daniel 9:1-21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday, we will delve into Daniel 9, splitting this chapter into two parts. In two weeks, we will cover the second part, which contains one of the most significant prophecies in the entire Bible. This week, we will focus on the first half, where we find Daniel’s remarkable prayer.   By this time, Daniel was over 80 years old and had endured many trials in Babylonian captivity. Throughout all these challenges, he has consistently placed his trust in God and remained faithful. Daniel’s heart and mind have always been set on his homeland despite being taken from Jerusalem as a teenager. Living in Babylon, he lived for Jerusalem, never ceasing to think about the holy city, which had been the center of worship for God’s people for centuries.   Daniel spends time reading the scroll of the prophet Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet" for his prophecies about the future devastations awaiting Israel. Jeremiah had foretold the destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness to God. However, he also prophesied that this desolation would last for 70 years. Now, in 538 BC, roughly 67 years have passed since Jerusalem's destruction in 605 BC. The time for its restoration is near.   Motivated by Jeremiah’s prophecy, Daniel prays fervently, asking God to bring about this promised restoration. This section of Daniel 9, particularly the first 19 verses, demonstrates the incredible power of prayer in accomplishing God’s will. Daniel’s example shows us how to call upon God’s power.   Confess Verses 4-5: "I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.'"   Ask Verse 19: "O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."   Expect Verses 20-21: "While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice."   Let us pray boldly, church. Confess, ask God to act and expect Him to answer.