Observation: The book of Daniel takes place during the exile in Babylon, a time when the Babylonian empire took over Judah and forced most of Jerusalem's people to live hundreds of miles from home. This went on for almost two generations. Daniel sees this as a result of sin. He prays that God would forgive the people, not because they deserve it, but because of God's mercy.
Application: It's hard for me to remember sometimes that God forgives our sins not because we've earned it or done something to make up for it, but because God is good. We talk a lot in Lutheran theology about making good choices and helping others, as "a response to God's grace," that we are "free to serve." We say all the right words about how God gives us better than we deserve. But in our world where nothing is free, we still need constant reminders that forgiveness is not, in fact, a paycheck for services rendered, but what God does for us simply because that's who God is. And it's even harder to grant forgiveness to others in the same way--not because they deserve it, but because we belong to a merciful God.
Prayer: Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,
I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee:
Think on thy pity, and thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.
Amen.
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