#4 The Faithful REMNANTS

1. #4The Faithful REMNANTS Their SPIRITUALITY (Daniel 9)

2. We admire extemporaneous playing of the jazz musicians • We admire the improvisation of the resourceful survivors in the wild • We admire the artistic freedom a chef shows in preparing his favorite cuisine • We even admire Daniel’simpromptu show of courage and discernment! • What is less emphasized but more important is the behind-the-scene and on-going sacrifice and discipline!

3. Daniel was not revered by the Jews as a prophet. His book is not placed in the “Prophets” but in the “Writing” section! • His stories and devotion are as inspiring as Job, Psalms, Proverbs & Ecclesiastes • Daniel repeatedly shows weakness in receiving disturbing visions (7:15, 28; 8:17, 27; 9:20-21; 10:2-3; 7-10, 17) • Like a well-trained and disciplined soldier, Daniel remains spiritually sharp, alert and sensitive at all times!

4. Daniel is scripturally and spiritually sharp to know what is really kosher(1)! • Daniel has to be spiritually connectedwhen he was called to interpret king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a lifetime (2) • Daniel has to be spiritually disciplinedto keep praying 3x a day in his 80’s even when it was outlawed to do so (6) • Daniel has to be scripturally well versed to know the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy of 70 years (9:2 Jer 25:11; 29:10)

5. Remember 1234-785-96-101112? • In Chapter 9, Daniel is already in his 80’s. He has served in Babylon’s palace > 60 years (2). He remembers the dream of successive kings. • He saw the lowering and rise of flags. He is now serving the Medes… • He knows Jeremiah’s 70 years of exile in Babylon is quickly ending… • But what does it imply about Israel and the problem of Israel’s sins…!?

6. I. Prayer WAITS (1-3) • In the past 60+ years, Daniel did not complain about his plight. He didn’t even pray for Israel! Instead, he settled down peacefully in exile. He calmly and willingly served his captors! • He diligently and patiently obeys God’s will (Jer 25:8-14; 29:4-9) • The pace, the intensity and the contents of Daniel’s prayers took a monumental change after 60+ years of “waiting”

7. II. Prayer SERVES (1-3) • Daniel’s prayer ministry is purposeful, deliberate and involved: “turned to…pleaded with prayers and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth” • It results from an alert study of God’s Word! Why don’t we click? • It is likely that Daniel finds his petition for Israel’s return more important than risking his life in the Lion’s den (6)! He couldn’t break this spiritual “habit”!

8. III. Prayer CLEANSES • Daniel confesses sins • We have sinned & done wrong (5, 15) • Wicked, rebelled, turned away, not listened (6) • Transgressed your law, turned away, refusing to obey (11, 14) • No one can sin that readily after constantly getting involved in genuine and intense prayers of confession!

9. IV. Prayer ASKS • Daniel petitions God for help • … for restoration of temple (17) • … for mercy (18) • … for forgiveness (20, 23) • Prayer reveals our cares and priorities! • Israel was exiled because of her sins (especially in idolatry). Was the 70 years of exile just punitive or reforming? Will Israel become a repeated offender?

10. V. Prayer UNITES • Daniel confesses on behalf of his leaders and people, cf. “we”! • Instead of accusing one another in prayers, we embrace one another. We see ourselves as part of the problem! That’s the beginning of forgiveness! • Prayer changes us from self-centred individuals to caring communities

11. VI. Prayer ANSWERS • Gabriel brings “insight and understanding” to Daniel’s concerns about “sins and sin” • “Seventy sevens” to answer sin problem: • Not dates but assurances • No more bandage solution to sin • “finish transgression, put an end to sin, atone for wickedness, bring in everlasting righteousness, seal up visions and prophecy, anoint the most high” (24)