TUESDAY, JUNE 12
Daniel 10:4-8
Matthew 5:8

“Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.”

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART

…
The most blessed experience for mortal man is to see his Creator God. For the believer, redeemed and washed by the heart-cleansing blood of the Lamb, there is the sure promise that one day he will see God face-to-face. Read John’s timely message to believers in 1 John 3:2-3.

Daniel was one of the few privileged OT saints to whom our Lord revealed Himself in person. Exiled in the royal court far from home and all restraining influences, Daniel (with his three comrades in exile) chose to remain faithful to the God of their fathers. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank …” (Dan 1:8). We have every reason to believe that Daniel’s “purpose” in his heart reflected the purity of his heart. It was natural and easy in his situation to “live it up” in the royal court, but Daniel stood firm in the faith. “Blessed are the pure in heart …” (Matt 5:8).

… FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD

One day, in our transformed and glorified body, we shall behold Him, our Lord and our God. God came to Daniel as he was, in the flesh. That Daniel never expected to see God we may be sure. When the event happened it was awe-inspiring and devastating, for it left him almost limp and lifeless. Before the awful Majesty of the Most High, and His dazzling holiness and purity, Daniel’s “… comeliness was turned … into corruption ...” (Dan 10:8). What “comeliness” can man boast of in God’s presence? Compared
to some we may excel in moral conduct, charitable works, generous spirit and humane tolerance. But not before God. All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). But the redeemed may rejoice in the Lord and say, “… for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness …” (Isa 61:10).

Blessed are the pure in heart, like Daniel.

THOUGHT: How can I have a pure heart?
PRAYER: Create in me a clean heart, O God.