THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Daniel 4:20-27
Isaiah 1:1-31

“… they that forsake
the LORD shall be consumed.”

BREAK AWAY FROM YOUR SINS

When Daniel courageously announced to the king his horrible fate because of pride, he graciously advised him: “… break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility” (Dan 4:27).

But what did Daniel really mean? He certainly was not telling Nebuchadnezzar that righteous acts on a social and political level could bring salvation from the judgment of a holy God. Instead, he was warning Nebuchadnezzar that his life would be cut short if he continued his cruel and self-centred deeds. It is true, of course, that only genuine spiritual conversion can produce righteous conduct and God-honouring attitudes in the heart.

We may be sure that Daniel had been granted many opportunities by the king during their many years together in the court of Babylon to explain God’s way of righteousness and eternal life. Doubtless like the Apostle Paul, Daniel often “… reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come …” (Acts 24:25). And Nebuchadnezzar, like Felix the Governor, “trembled” and would say, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25).

There is indeed a limit to God’s longsuffering toward wicked and stubborn men, even as in the days of Noah and in the court of Pharaoh. “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Prov 29:1). May we as Christians learn to be sensitive to the need for daily repentance before our God for our sins against Him and that we might trust Him for strength to live a godly life!

THOUGHT: “… thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory …” (1 Cor 15:57).
PRAYER: Help me, Lord, to show in my daily conduct the fruit of a contrite and humble spirit toward Thee.