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Topic: Reading (01/25/07)
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TITLE: Turning The Tide | Previous Challenge Entry
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Tears glistened in the flickering candlelight as they rolled down Daniel’s cheeks before disappearing into the locks of his graying beard. It was always the same whenever he held the ancient parchments written by the patriarchs and the prophets. Trembling with deep emotion, he brought the ageing document to his lips, kissing the scroll with tenderness and awe that poignantly described the passion of heart for his desolated homeland and for the purposes of Yahweh to be fulfilled. Fervent prayer escaped his lips, his heart not able to contain its secrets nor longings.
Tonight Daniel could sense the presence of the LORD. Angels assigned to open revelation waited, poised at his side. The room glowed in the illuminated blue light of the Shekinah presence of Israel’s Holy One. A tryst with history was to be wrought. It was no ordinary night.
Slowly, reverently, Daniel unrolled the scroll of Jeremiah the prophet. Instantly, his mind revisited his dreadful passage from the Beloved Land, here to his place of exile - heathen Babylon. Long years had since passed in captivity but the memory of Jerusalem in burning ruins had never faded. Lost in thought, Daniel retraced his abrupt snatching from Jerusalem and the irreparable tearing of his heart, knowing that he would never see his homeland again. Reliving the emotional upheaval, Daniel remembered the qualms of the uncertain future that he faced and his grief-laden prayers on that terrible journey that birthed the resolve in his heart to serve the Lord despite the shame of exile...
The Palace Watchman’s call announcing the second quarter of the night brought Daniel back to present reality.
Angels overshadowed Daniel, their hands on his, guiding them to the appointed reading. Daniel began to read the Hebrew characters. Barak was a good scribe, he mused, despite the pressure of dangerous times, he faithfully transcribed Jeremiah’s prophecies.
Drawing nearer and extending their swords towards the heavens, the angels spread their wings across Daniel as he read the Scriptures. There were to be no interruptions as this man, highly esteemed of the Lord, was appointed to gain understanding into future mysteries and unlock the doors of the destiny of nations. Daniel’s lavishly appointed chamber continued to be visited with Heavenly Messengers, including the arrival of Gabriel.
Totally absorbed, Daniel soundlessly mouthed the inspired words, “This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."*
Revelation struck Daniel’s heart as if a raging fire had been ignited within his soul. “The seventy years has been completed. Israel must now return from captivity and be re-establish as a nation … the Messiah, the Anointed One, must be born in Israel…” he whispered with rasped breath.
Trembling, the scroll fell from Daniel’s hands and landed with a thud on the table. Seized with desperate urgency, he fell to his knees in agonized petition.
"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands…”**
Gabriel turned to another Messenger, “Go!” he commanded, “Tell Michael that Daniel has read the prophecy and revelation has been imparted. He has understood his path and has begun his intercession. The battle to turn the tide of Israel’s history has begun!”
“O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name…" ***
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Based on Daniel Chapter 9.
*Jeremiah 29 10 -14. NIV.
** Daniel 9:4. NIV.
*** Daniel 9:19. NIV.
Words: 696
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