S. O. A. P.
Here’s your 90 second AM devotional!
S-cripture:
Daniel 9:18
Give ear, our God, and hear: open your eyes and see the desecration of the city that bears your name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.
O-bservation:
Still under Babylon’s reign over the people of Israel, the Prophet Daniel intercedes before God on behalf of his nation. He acknowledges their complete rebellion against God and repents on their behalf. But then he closes by saying, “I’m not appealing to You based upon our righteousness but because of … ‘Your Great Mercy’ … Oh Lord.”
A-pplication:
I’ve always believed that under the New Covenant (Testament) there’s no more repenting for someone else as Daniel does in this passage. In the New Testament every man and woman must answer to God for himself or herself. But one thing hasn’t changed. Anytime a person begins to appeal to God for anything based upon their own “Good Character” or “Moral Upstanding” within the community it’s like spitting into the wind. Somebody’s going to get wet and it isn’t the wind. We may be living in New Testament days, but when we are in need of forgiveness it’s like Old Testament times all over again. Just like Daniel we say … “Oh Lord, I’m not appealing to You based on my own righteousness, but only because of … “Your Great Mercy!”
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
Today, once again, I lay all my “Dirty Rags” (a.k.a. righteousness) aside and ask for “Your Great Mercy” to save me. Amen
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