The Set Up: One of the most interesting and inspiring books in the Old Testament of the Bible is the book of Daniel. When Daniel was a young man, probably a teen or college-age young adult, his nation, Israel was overrun by the Babylonian army. Daniel, along with many children from royal or elite families, was taken to Babylon and put into a training program to see if they could become leaders for the Babylonian Empire. Daniel flourished in Babylon and became one of the kings closest and most trusted advisors. Somehow Daniel was able to maintain his faith in God without compromise despite his environment. And throughout his life, he continued to pray for Israel to be protected and restored. One day, as Daniel read the words of the prophet Jeremiah, he read that Israel would remain desolate for seventy years. When Daniel read that, his heart broke for his people. Despite the fact that he was in a place of power and doing well in Babylon, he cared deeply about his people. Here is how Daniel responded:
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
As we begin the season of Lent leading up to Easter, we are embracing the same posture as Daniel. Daniel fasted, giving up food or some foods, and spent extra time in prayer for Israel. In Lent, we give up food, certain foods, or other things such as entertainment, social media, or other comforts as we commit ourselves to prayer and seeking God. Daniel put on rough burlap clothing and sprinkled himself with ashes, which was a sign of mourning in his time and culture. Yesterday, millions of Christians observed Ash Wednesday as a day of repentance and declaring our need for Christ.
The season of Lent is a time when we determine to set aside some of our comforts to pursue a greater level of relationship with Christ. We give up something to gain something greater. We repent (which means to turn away from 180 degrees) of things in our lives that are keeping us from becoming who God calls us to be. We pick up some things, like prayer, reading the Scriptures, and serving to help us to align our lives with Christ. May the next 45 days be for you a time of growth as you pursue Christ and share in his journey to the cross, even as we anticipate the celebration of his resurrection.
Passage to Read: Daniel 9:1-19
Reflection Questions:
· Daniel was not a part of the problem in Israel, and what was happening there was not his problem. Why do you think he was so moved to fast and pray for them?
· What has helped you personally to feel closest to God? How can you allow the season of Lent to help you feel that closeness?
· What is God asking you to give up for Lent this year? What is God asking to pick up for Lent this year?
Prayer Idea: In the same way that Daniel was moved to fast and pray for Israel, is there something that God is stirring you to pray for during this season? Commit to spend time daily during Lent praying for that situation.