“Turn To The LORD And Plead With Him…!”

“Turn To The LORD And Plead With Him…!”(Dan.9:1-19).
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was God’s agent for the desolation of Judah and many other countries. Even so, after 70 years Nebuchadnezzar himself, his nation and the land was to be punished for their guilt (Jer.25:11-12f).
The LORD is ever true to his words. Nebuchadnezzar did not know that he was a mere instrument of the LORD. He developed pride and a sense of fulfilment. Hear him: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” We are told that the words were still on his lips when it was decreed from above, “Your royal authority has been taken from you…” He was driven away from humans, sent to the bush to eat grass like an animal. When at the end of the appointed time he raised his eyes toward heaven, his sanity was restored. He praised the Most High and honoured and glorified him(Dan.4:28-34). We are mere tools in the hand of the Owner – status notwithstanding!
Darius became the king of Babylon when the 70 years of desolation was getting towards its end. It was in the first year of his reign that Daniel “understood from the Scriptures according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.”
When Daniel had this understanding, he “turned to the LORD and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting and in sackcloth and ashes.”
My friend, whatever (y)our exile situation may be, let us diligently search the Scriptures so that we can understand the period of time the LORD has aportioned for our desolation. By knowing let us turn to the LORD and plead in prayer and petition, fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. For the sake of his Son, he will hear us.
The LORD is righteous and we are not, because we have sinned against him.
Prayer: “O Lord, the great and awesome God…we have sinned and done wrong…O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you…Now our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant…We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act!…” Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.