YEar 3 Day 35

Year 3 Day 35 


Pray (ACts)


Read - Daniel 9v20-23


Message - Scott Woodburn
Daniel's heart was broken for his people. They were under the judgement of God and so the prophet had turned to Lord in repentance. He understood “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3v10-12). Humanity is sinful, wretched and lost BUT GOD in His mercy and grace sent His only begotten Son to crush the serpent's head and to pay the price for the sins of His bride the church.


Brothers and sisters, it is good to repent and to repent often. It is also good to consider our standing before a Holy God. Child of God, even with your sins, your faults, your failings and your frequent unwillingness to repent...by faith in Christ...you are greatly loved (v23).


This is not a love that shrinks or fades. It isn't the love of your father who you haven't seen since he walked out on your mother. It isn't the love of a friend who no longer speaks to you. It isn't the love of your first boyfriend who dropped you as soon as the fumble in the car was over. Love in this world is fickle, but the love of God towards redeemed sinners is steadfast and sure.


Daniel poured out his heart in repentant prayer and out of the sheer love and mercy of God, Daniel's cries were answered. The angel Gabriel visited Daniel and told him that he had come to bring insight and understanding to the current situation (v22). God had heard Daniel's pleas for mercy and had sent Gabriel in response (v23).


Why would God bother to answer an insignificant human being? Why would God waste His time on sending a message to one person in a massive universe? God owes us nothing. We do not complete Him. We add nothing to Him AND YET in His mercy and grace the Lord of the universe answered the cries of his servant Daniel. Why? Because Daniel was greatly loved (v23).


You and I cannot expect a visit from the angel Gabriel but we are treated in a way that we do not deserve. The God most high, the God of grace, still answers the prayers of His people. When you call to Him about the war in the Ukraine or your son's depression or your own illness or your local church or your money worries or the upcoming Gospel mission...whenever you call to the Lord...He hears your voice. His answers may not always seem evident but please understand that the Lord is not deaf to your pleas.


What a privilege it is to pray! Sinful humans, saved by grace can draw near to the throne of God Himself. We can do so because we have had our sins forgiven. We have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. With confidence we can enter the holy places by the blood of Christ. What an extraordinary privilege! The Lord hears us and the Lord answers us according to His will and purpose.


So my friends, be encouraged this day. Do not give up on prayer, instead pray without ceasing. Why? Because in Christ you are greatly loved.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC
Q38 What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? At the resurrection, believers, being raised up to glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
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