A Vision of Awesome Love

The time is drawing near for Daniel and his people to be sent back to Jerusalem. Daniel knows this from reading the prophet Jeremiah– the seventy years are almost up! And so, with that great hope before him he prays to his 'great and awesome God'. He pleads for mercy and forgiveness for himself and for his people and for the Lord's own sake. The Lord hears his prayer and responds immediately! The reply, however, is not what Daniel expected. Yes, the city would soon be restored but it will not be the end of their trouble. In fact, there is even more destruction to come. And yet, this word of great desolation is at the same time a vision of awesome love when transgression and sin will be put to an end and everlasting righteousness will be brought in. How can this be so? An anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. Please pray for myself and one another as we consider these tremendous truths.