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God Answers Daniel’s Fervent Prayer, March 17
O Daniel, a man greatly beloved,... for unto thee am I now sent ... for from
the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand ... thy words were
heard, and I am come for thy words.
Daniel 10:11, 12
.
“I Daniel alone saw the vision.... And there remained no strength in me: for
my comeliness was turned in me into corruption” (
Daniel 10:7, 8
).... All who
are truly sanctified will have a similar experience. The clearer their views of the
greatness, glory, and perfection of Christ, the more vividly will they see their
own weakness and imperfection. They will have no disposition to claim a sinless
character; that which has appeared right and comely in themselves will, in contrast
with Christ’s purity and glory, appear only as unworthy and corruptible. It is when
men are separated from God, when they have very indistinct views of Christ, that
they say, “I am sinless; I am sanctified.”
Gabriel now appeared to the prophet, and thus addressed him: “O Daniel, a
man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee” (
verse 11
)....
What great honor is shown to Daniel by the Majesty of heaven! He comforts His
trembling servant and assures him that his prayer has been heard in heaven. In
answer to that fervent petition the angel Gabriel was sent to affect the heart of
the Persian king. The monarch had resisted the impressions of the Spirit of God
during the three weeks while Daniel was fasting and praying, but heaven’s Prince,
the Archangel, Michael, was sent to turn the heart of the stubborn king to take
some decided action to answer the prayer of Daniel.
“And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the
ground, and I became dumb. And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons
of men touched my lips.... And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be
unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was
strengthened, and said, Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me” (
verse
15-19
).
So great was the divine glory revealed to Daniel that he could not endure the
sight. Then the messenger of heaven veiled the brightness of his presence and
appeared to the prophet as “one like the similitude of the sons of men” (
verse 16
).
By his divine power he strengthened this man of integrity and of faith, to hear the
message sent to him from God.
Daniel was a devoted servant of the Most High. His long life was filled up
with noble deeds of service for his Master. His purity of character and unwavering
fidelity are equaled only by his humility of heart and his contrition before God.
We repeat, the life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of true sanctification.—
The
Sanctified Life, 50-52
.
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