The prophet Daniel was a disciplined and noble man. He was a resolute follower during the Babylonians rule over the Jews. During a time when the Babylonians turned the Jews into slaves and tried for force their alternative and sinful culture on them, Daniel stood firm to his Jewish faith.
In Verse 7 of chapter 9, Daniel exclaims to God “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame – the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where You have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to You.” Verse 8, “O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kinds, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You.” Verse 9, “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.”
Daniel was the voice of humility and reverence to God at a time when the Jews were being punished for years of rebellion and sin. Amid slavery, shame, strife, and near hopelessness, Daniel consistently turned to the Lord. Daniel proclaimed to the Jews the need and imperative for them to admit their wrongdoing, confess their sins to God, and ask God for forgiveness.
Humility is an imperative personality trait. The ability to acknowledge when we have made a mistake, admit fault, and knowingly face the reality of a situation is imperative.
Unfortunately, arrogance can take over instead. Arrogance is sin. We deny our transgressions and fail to acknowledge our faults or wrongs. We “double down” on making excuses, we remain on the same path, continue to make the same mistakes, and do not turn to God for guidance.
How do we respond to friends and family who are struggling, pursuing the wrong things, or walking down the wrong path?
Perhaps it is the opportunity to schedule a meal or coffee. Maybe you can forward them a sermon from your church. Sometimes the uncertainty of reaching out to someone struggling can be scary. We do not know how they are going to react or perhaps they will resent our attempt to help them. The Bible calls us to commit to scripture and help those in need. We must “put ourselves out there” to witness to brothers and sisters in need of guidance and counsel, bringing them to saving words of our Savior.
Hebrews 13:16 says “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for another.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
