Series: Resilience
Message: Hope
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 19:7-14.

Read: Daniel 9 - Read the Message paraphrase, and note 1-3 insights/questions that arise. 

Reflect: In Daniel 9, three names of God are used: YHWH (LORD); ‘ādōnãy (my Lord); and ‘ēlōhîm (God). The most sacred name YHWH (LORD), was used for the very first time in the book of Daniel, because this was His covenant name as used in Exodus 3:14-16, and implies the most intimate reference. Zdravko Stefanovic in his Commentary on Daniel, Wisdom to the Wise, p. 344, explains further: “The name Yahweh means ‘HE IS,’ pointing to God’s eternal existence…Daniel calls the God of his people ‘my God.’ In a similar way, David called God, the Shepherd of the people of Israel, ‘my shepherd,’ (Psalms 23:1).” 

You start to sense that Daniel’s experience of the character of God is deeply personal and immersed in trust. There is no subject, no area, no question, that he cannot talk to God about. There is one incredible verse that not all translations express in the same way, but I believe brings this idea to life. In Daniel 9:13, the ESV translation states “ yet we have not entreated the favor of the LORD our God” but a closer rendition would be “yet we have not entreated the face of the LORD our God.” Throughout the First Testament people desired to have God turn His face toward them (Numbers 6:26) and they were anxious if it did not happen (Isaiah 1:15). 

It is through this personal conversation with God that Daniel also asks forgiveness for leadership that led the people away (Daniel 9:6), and uses language from Leviticus 16:6 to remind us of the Day of Atonement.

Recalibrate: 

1. Who in your life unexpectedly spoke truth into your life or brought someone in who helped?
2. Who do you know close to you who needs to reconnect with Jesus?

Respond: Pray for strength. 

Research:  Read and study Leviticus 16.