Forgiveness!

For Saturday, July 15, 2023:

Daniel 9:9 NLT: “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”

About 600 years before Jesus was Daniel. His name means, “God (El) is my judge.” As Jews were dispersed from Israel, Daniel found himself in Babylon. He is considered a prophet by Christian and Muslims, and Jews consider him to be the most distinguished member of the Babylonian diaspora, unsurpassed in Godliness and good works, unchanging in his adherence to the Law despite being surrounded by enemies who sought his ruin.

Though Daniel lived in that sinful land, he was loyal to the Lord, constantly trying to get others to do right things. And while quick to point out other’s sins, he also focused on God’s mercy and forgiveness. In the midst of his rant about obeying God’s Laws, Daniel inserts this one verse stressing God’s mercy and forgiveness.

God’s mercy and forgiveness isn’t a one-time event; it’s what I call a “God-trend.” When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God made clothes for them, loving them in spite of their sin. Daniel was sentenced to the lion’s den to die, but mercifully God protected him, and Daniel walked away from the whole incident. God gave his Son Jesus to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world, and all who put their faith in Jesus would become children of God, forgiven members of the Kingdom. Believers get to see heaven from the inside!

Forgiveness is a God-trend, and it’s for all who repent and return! It’s for all of us believers!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship