Petitions, Fasting, Sackcloth & Ashes… Repent.

Daniel is in full conversation with the Lord in chapter 9. He has read God’s words and recalls what was said to the prophet Jeremiah. He has remembered God’s warning about the desolation of Jerusalem. Overcome, he prays a prayer of confession and petition with fasting, sackcloth and ashes. He repents, not just for himself but for all the people of Israel and Judah.

This was not a quick prayer. Daniel is tormented. I am not sure how long religious fasting lasted in those days, but likely over an extended period of time. He is also wearing sackcloth, probably made from goat hair. It’s not comfortable nor is it chic. He is humbling himself before the Lord. With ashes on his head, he prays. He repents of his sins and the sins of all Israel and begs the Lord to remember him and His people. Daniel sees God and His righteousness and in comparison, he and his people all fall short. Daniel knows shame and banishment are what belong to him, his kings, leaders and ancestors for they all have sinned and turned away from God.

My heart is racing as I read this, and I have a lump in my throat. I remember I have felt this heavy burden. I didn’t have ashes on my head, but my heart felt like ashes. I wasn’t wearing a sackcloth, but I wore my sin outwardly and in front of God. Full of shame and guilt, I prayed for forgiveness, repented and committed my life to Jesus, repeatedly. Jesus. I prayed to Jesus but Daniel, didn’t yet know of Jesus. Until… Gabriel showed up!

Gabriel reaches out to Daniel in his extreme weariness and tells him that God, who treasures him, has an explanation for him.  Gabriel speaks of an Anointed One, who will make a covenant and put a stop to sacrifice and offering. The Anointed One will finish transgression, make an end of sins, give reconciliation for iniquity and bring everlasting righteousness! God would come to man and dwell with him. Moses had a mercy seat, Daniel had a word from an angel, but God would one day send Jesus to us all and even give us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. It’s all right here in Daniel, 500-600 years before Jesus is born!

Nikki Fiedler