Plan for restoration
Opening Prayer
Lord, in the midst of wars and violence in our world, bring peace to the hearts of those who are people of peace.
Read DANIEL 9:20–27
[20] While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill- [21] while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. [22] He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. [23] As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision: [24] “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place. [25] “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. [26] After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. [27] He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does God reveal to Daniel?As he reflects on Jeremiah’s prophecy (9:2; Jer. 25:11–14), Daniel turns to God in prayer. Even before Daniel finishes praying, God responds (21,22)! Already gifted with knowledge and wisdom (1:17,20), Daniel now receives further “insight and understanding” (22). Daniel’s focus was the end of the Exile; God’s purposes extend far beyond. The scope of the new prophecy given to Daniel transcended the rebuilding of Jerusalem and looked to an even greater work of redemption. Daniel’s 70-year horizon (9:2b) is extended by this greater time table of “Seventy ‘sevens’“ (24a). God was about to fulfill his word through Jeremiah (cf. Ezra 1, 2 Chron. 36:21–22), but his focus was about a greater deliverance than bringing the people back to their land. Sin, which had led to Israel’s scattering and suffering (7,11b), would be effectively and completely dealt with (24a) through the death of the Anointed One (26), and in the end, “everlasting righteousness” would be established (24).
Apply
How will taking a “long view” impact your daily choices and influence the way you respond to obstacles and challenges?
Closing prayer
Spirit of wisdom and revelation, unveil the things of God and bring glory to Your Name.
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