"Great and Dreadful"

October 11, 2010

“Great and Dreadful”

Blessings folk!

So, Daniel had learned that the time of desolation of Jerusalem was about to end (see previous posting)

The Medes had defeated the Babylonians and now ruled.
Daniel knew that the 70 year period revealed by Jeremiah was about to end.

What was Daniel’s response?
A loud proclamation of victory and rejoicing to the people?
Packing?

No.

He set his face unto the Lord God.
He prayed.
He fasted in sackcloth and ashes.
He confessed.

Daniel knew that though the time of punishment from the Lord might be drawing to an end, the heart of the people was still far from God.

In this prayer, Daniel 9:4-19, Daniel confesses his and the people’s sin.

For today, I want us to see how Daniel began this prayer.

Daniel 9

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
 
4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

Daniel assumed a posture of humility before the Lord...fasting, prayer, ashes.

Daniel did not approach the Lord by any position of power or the flesh. He acknowledge that though respected among the people, a leader in the pagan government, that he was unworthy in and of himself.

Daniel confessed.

Daniel’s first confession was a proclamation of the wonder and glory of God.

God is great.
God is dreadful (awesome).
God keeps His covenants.
God keeps His mercy (lovingkindness).
God keeps His covenant and mercy to those who…
- love Him
- keep His commandments

Daniel begins his prayer and supplication with a declaration of faith and belief based upon the character of God.

This is foundational.

Too often we approach the Lord with a litany of requests, burdens, prayers, etc. etc.

We would do well to begin...dare I say continue to live?...in an attitude of constant worship and wonder of the Most High God.

Take a moment to declare the great and awesome wonder of the Lord...unto Him.

Remember, He keeps His covenant.
Remember, His mercy is without end.

Love Him.
Keep His commandments.

Blessings!