Daniel 10:1-3 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Daniel was about 90 years old at this point in time and was more than likely retired from public service. However, retirement is not a word that is possible for a child of God; for as long as we are on this earth, we have work to do. Daniel evidently spent much of his “golden years” reading Scripture and in prayer. The thing that was revealed to Daniel was the events recorded in chapters 10-12. This vision was a prophecy of the far-distant future.
Daniel was mourning because he foresaw the many calamities that would befall the Jews for their sins, especially for rejecting the Messiah and rejecting His gospel. Daniel was mourning with a godly sorrow over the sins of the nation and their effect upon the lives of the people of God. What was his response to this revelation of the consequences of judgment due to the sins of his people? Prayer. What should our response be to the evening news and wickedness that is running rampant in our nation? How must we respond to the frank disregard and rejection of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the cause of such darkness and immorality in our nation? Prayer.
