September 21st, 20

A SECOND TOUCH

Today’s readings are Daniel 9 – 10, Psalm 123, and Luke 5.  We are reading from the New Living Translation.

Daniel needed a second touch.  He was overwhelmed and deep in anguish at the vision he was given.  The weight of the vision of God was too much for him – his call on Daniel – the vision of the challenges that lie ahead and the ruins that remained behind – it was too much for Daniel.  He said, My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe. (Dan 10:17 NLT)

Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever seen things ahead of you, or looked back behind you and seen with such clarity, the enormity of the task, and the destruction in your wake?  Has it caused you to be overcome, fighting to breathe,  your strength gone?  If you have ever been there, then you, me, and Daniel all have this in common.  But God touched Daniel again.  Daniel says,

Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”

As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” (Dan 10:18-19 NLT)

God gives Daniel a second touch and with it he gives Daniel these words,

“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!” (Dan 10:18 NLT)

God is declaring his love for Daniel and his love for us, through His comforting words and his touch.  This is the touch that we need from God. This is the touch that can help us with the enormity of the vision and the challenges of our past.  

Do you need a second touch from God?  Then receive it. Do you need to hear his words today?  Then hear them loud and clear.  God is coming to us today to offer us his second touch. And with it, he offers us the same word he gave to Daniel.  Don’t be afraid, for you are very precious to God.  Receive this from him.

You are loved!