Find Hope in Things to Come (Daniel 9)

In times of uncertainty and turmoil, where can we find hope? The biblical account of Daniel offers profound insights into this question, revealing how faith, prayer, and understanding God's word can provide comfort and direction even in the darkest of times.

Daniel, a man of unwavering faith, found himself in a foreign land, part of a nation in exile. Yet, in the midst of this challenging period, he discovered hope through a deep dive into Scripture. Specifically, he turned to the writings of the prophet Jeremiah, seeking understanding about the future of his people.

As Daniel pored over Jeremiah's prophecies, he came across a startling revelation: the period of exile was to last 70 years. This wasn't just a random number; it held significant meaning. In the book of Leviticus, God had commanded His people to observe a Sabbath year every seven years, allowing the land to rest. For 490 years, the Israelites had neglected this command. The 70-year exile was a direct consequence of this disobedience – one year of captivity for every Sabbath year ignored.

This realization stirred something within Daniel. Instead of passively accepting this information, he was moved to action. He turned to God in fervent prayer, demonstrating a response we would do well to emulate today.

Daniel's prayer is a masterclass in approaching God with humility, confession, and reverence. He begins by acknowledging God's greatness and faithfulness, setting a tone of worship. Then, in a remarkable display of solidarity with his people, Daniel confesses not just his own sins, but the collective transgressions of the nation.

"We have sinned and done wrong," Daniel prays. "We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws."  This collective confession reminds us of an important truth: while we are individually responsible for our actions, there is also such a thing as national or corporate sin. When a society collectively turns away from God's principles, there are consequences that affect everyone.

Yet, Daniel doesn't stop at confession. He appeals to God's mercy, recognizing that forgiveness and compassion belong to the Lord. This balance of acknowledging God's justice and appealing to His mercy is crucial in our approach to prayer.

The response to Daniel's prayer is swift and remarkable. The angel Gabriel appears, providing Daniel with further insight into God's plans. This teaches us an invaluable lesson: when we earnestly seek God through His word and prayer, He often grants us greater understanding and revelation.

Gabriel's message to Daniel introduces the concept of "70 weeks" or 490 years, divided into three distinct periods. This prophecy spans from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem all the way to the coming of the Messiah and beyond. It's a sweeping overview of God's plan for His people, culminating in the work of Jesus Christ.

The prophecy outlines six key objectives to be accomplished:

1. Finish the transgression
2. Put an end to sin
3. Atone for wickedness
4. Bring in everlasting righteousness
5. Seal up vision and prophecy
6. Anoint the Most Holy One

Remarkably, all these objectives find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection put an end to sin, atoned for wickedness, and brought in everlasting righteousness for those who believe in Him. He is the culmination of all prophecy, and He alone is the Anointed One who makes all things new.

The detailed nature of this prophecy, much of which has already been fulfilled in history, serves as a powerful testament to the truth and reliability of God's word. It reminds us that we can trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire or hopeless

• First, it calls us to a renewed commitment to God's word. Just as Daniel found hope and understanding through studying Scripture, we too can find guidance and comfort by immersing ourselves in God's truth.

• Second, it challenges us to examine our own lives and societies. Are there areas where we, individually or collectively, have turned away from God's principles? Daniel's prayer of confession and repentance serves as a model for how we should approach God in humility, seeking forgiveness and restoration.

• Third, it reminds us of the power of prayer. Daniel's earnest supplication moved the heart of God and brought about divine revelation. Our prayers, too, have the power to effect change and bring about God's purposes in our lives and world.

• Lastly, this account fills us with hope. It reassures us that God is in control of history, working out His purposes even when we can't see or understand them. Just as He had a plan for Daniel and his people, He has a plan for us today.

As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, let us take heart from Daniel's example. Let us dive deep into God's word, seeking understanding. Let us approach God in humble, fervent prayer, confessing our sins and appealing to His mercy. And let us hold fast to the hope that comes from knowing that our God is faithful, His word is true, and His promises never fail.

In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, we can anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's word and the unfailing nature of His love. Like Daniel, we can find hope in God's promises, confident that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.