20 While I was speaking, praying, confessing my own sin and the sin of my people Isra’el, and pleading before Adonai my God for the holy mountain of my God — 21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gavri’el, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, swooped down on me in full flight at about the time of the evening sacrifice, 22 and explained things to me. He said, “I have come now, Dani’el, to enable you to understand this vision clearly. 23 At the beginning of your prayers, an answer was given; and I have come to say what it is; because you are greatly loved. Therefore look into this answer, and understand the vision.
24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and for your holy city for putting an end to the transgression, for making an end of sin, for forgiving iniquity, for bringing in everlasting justice, for setting the seal on vision and prophet, and for anointing the Especially Holy Place. 25 Know, therefore, and discern that seven weeks [of years] will elapse between the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Yerushalayim until an anointed prince comes. It will remain built for sixty-two weeks [of years], with open spaces and moats; but these will be troubled times. 26 Then, after the sixty-two weeks, Mashiach will be cut off and have nothing. The people of a prince yet to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary, but his end will come with a flood, and desolations are decreed until the war is over. 27 He will make a strong covenant with leaders for one week [of years]. For half of the week he will put a stop to the sacrifice and the grain offering. On the wing of detestable things the desolator will come and continue until the already decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”
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"Our Actions Reflect On Others" by Author: Maureen McClain
When Tom Landry coached the Dallas Cowboys, he demanded that players dress neatly and act decently whenever out in public. He said their behavior reflected on the team’s reputation. I also remember that in the past, a company could fire employees for things they said or did on personal time. Why? Their poor behavior reflected on the company.
Daniel turned that around, saying that God should forgive His people for His sake, not theirs. He agreed that the Israelites sinned, but said that if God didn’t forgive them, His reputation as a merciful, forgiving God would suffer! And in Exodus 32:11-14, Moses said much the same thing.
When two parties are allied, the behavior of one reflects on the other. God’s mercy is shown in the salvation he offers us and His guidance and care. As a Christian, how does your behavior reflect on Him? Will non-Christians want to know God because of how you behave?
Hymn for Today: "There's a wideness in God's mercy" by Author: Frederick W. Faber (1862)
1. There's a wideness in God's mercy,
like the wideness of the sea.
There's a kindness in God's justice,
which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth's sorrows
are more felt than up in heaven.
There is no place where earth's failings
have such kindly judgment given.
2. For the love of God is broader
than the measures of the mind.
And the heart of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful,
we would gladly trust God's Word,
and our lives reflect thanksgiving
for the goodness of our Lord.
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