“While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight…” (v20)

   God is so near, yet so very far away!  Here is Daniel in agony, pleading with God; “Oh Lord, listen!  Oh Lord, forgive!  Oh Lord, hear and act!” (v19a)   Daniel had turned his eyes from the writing of Jeremiah and looked “to the Lord God” (v2)  He wasn’t looking for a visit from an angel, he was seeking intimate audience with his “great and awesome God”. (v14)  And while still catching his breath as he cried to God, Daniel sees Gabriel in fast flight coming towards him!  God remained (it would appear) far off, and sent his messenger to comfort Daniel with understanding.

   I so quickly forget the majesty of my great God.  I tend to view Him as always near, even at my beck and call, yet He does not serve me, I serve Him.  He is a God that stoops near to those who love Him, He is “at hand”, yet He is so much more.  He dwells in the Heavens, and in the depths.  He has a life totally apart from me!  Yet he includes me in His thoughts…how gracious and loving!  I must never again pray the model prayer that my Savior spoke for me without pausing at the word “heaven”…for God is my “Abba” father – close at hand ready to meet my every need, but He is also the God of Heaven.  He dwells in places my mind can’t even imagine.  Yes my great and awesome God is near, yet He is so very far away!

My Father, who is in Heaven…hallowed is Your name…Your kingdom come, Your will be done…

Forgive me for thinking for a moment that I have any right to question or talk back to You, my King.  Make Your reign obvious in me, just as it is in the Heavenly realms.  When you speak and tell me to move, may I have no hesitation, and when I pray keep me ever mindful of Your will and the needs of other around me long before I dwell in the prison cell of my own self-pity.  May You move and act because of Your name, Your fame, and Your reputation, not for my happiness or even temporary peace.  I will trust You for those things my father.  I love You.  I will serve YOU my King!  Amen.