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The Sanctified Life
to our petitions as were granted to Daniel. Hear how he presses his
case at the court of heaven:
“Oh my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and
behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name; for
we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses,
but for thy great mercies. Oh Lord, hear; Oh Lord, forgive; Oh Lord,
hearken and do; defer not; for thine own sake, Oh my God: for thy
city and thy people are called by thy name” (
verses 18, 19
).
The man of God was praying for the blessing of Heaven upon his
people and for a clearer knowledge of the divine will. The burden of
his heart was for Israel, who were not, in the strictest sense, keeping
the law of God. He acknowledges that all their misfortunes have come
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upon them in consequence of their transgressions of that holy law. He
says, “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.... Because for our
sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people
are become a reproach to all that are about us” (
verses 15, 16
). The
Jews had lost their peculiar, holy character as God’s chosen people.
“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his
supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that
is desolate” (
verse 17
). Daniel’s heart turns with intense longing to
the desolate sanctuary of God. He knows that its prosperity can be
restored only as Israel shall repent of their transgressions of God’s law,
and become humble, faithful, and obedient.
The Heavenly Messenger
As Daniel’s prayer is going forth, the angel Gabriel comes sweep-
ing down from the heavenly courts to tell him that his petitions are
heard and answered. This mighty angel has been commissioned to
give him skill and understanding—to open before him the mysteries of
future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and understand the
truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated
messenger.
In answer to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and
truth which he and his people most needed, but a view of the great
events of the future, even to the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Those
who claim to be sanctified, while they have no desire to search the
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