Lent Day 4: The Character of Our God

Scripture:  Daniel 9:15-25a 

Focus on the Word

The captive people of Judah were in trouble and Daniel knew that it was grace the people needed.  They really had sinned against God and they really did deserve judgment.  So when he called upon God it was not on the merit of any good thing the people had done.  There were no bargaining chips and no content for negotiation.  They deserved judgment but Daniel pleaded with God any way.  He cried out for God to act, not on the basis of what the people deserved but on the basis of God’s compassion.  His prayer was, “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name” (Daniel 9:18-19,NLT).

“Not because we deserve help,” Daniel prayed.  They didn’t deserve help.  They needed help, but they didn’t deserve it.  Daniel knew what the score was, so he speaks to God and asks Him to act, not on the basis of their good merit, but because they were His people and He was their God.   He pleaded with God to act out of His great compassion.  If things were going to change it would take God acting out of the depths of His own character and goodness.  

In Lent let’s remember that our relationship with God is not on the basis of merit.  It is on the basis of God’s grace and mercy and forgiveness and patience and compassion.  Our relationship with God happens because of the character of God.  He could have written us off and nobody would have held it against Him.  Instead, he came to us in our own desolation, and received us to Himself.  We don’t sing “Amazing Merit.”  We sing, “Amazing grace.”

Today’s Prayer

Lord, be with us this day,

Within us to purify us;

Above us to draw us up;

Beneath us to sustain us;

Before us to lead us;

Behind us to restrain us;

Around us to protect us.

              (Patrick, c389-461)