Daniel 9:2, In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.
Jeremiah 29:10-11, 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Romans 2:4 (NLT), Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
How Do You See God?
- How you view the Lord will determine whether you approach Him when you sin or whether you avoid Him.
- Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.
Psalm 103:8-12, 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
- Anger intimidates, but mercy motivates.
2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Ezekiel 33:11(NLT), As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?
Isaiah 55:7, Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Is God’s Mercy Greater Than Our Sin?
Lamentations 3:22-23, 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
- God is loving. (Psalm 103:10-11; Romans 5:8; Jeremiah 31:3)
- God is compassionate. (Psalm 145:8-9; Psalm 51:1-2)
- God is faithful. (Psalm 145:13b; Psalm 36:5)
Romans 5:20, The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
“Are not you amazed sometimes that you should have so much as a hope, that, poor and needy as you are, the Lord thinketh of you? But let not all you feel discourage you. For if our Physician is almighty, our disease cannot be desperate and if He casts none out that come to Him, why should you fear? Our sins are many, but His mercies are more: our sins are great, but His righteousness is greater: we are weak, but He is power.” – John Newton
What Do We Learn From Daniel’s Prayer?
He prepared for prayer.
Daniel 9:3, So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
He worshipped the Lord.
Daniel 9:4, I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments.
He confessed their sins.
Daniel 9:5, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.
He asked for mercy.
Daniel 9:18, Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.