Continuing with his series on the prophet Daniel, Rev. Peter Richmond, pastor of Hesed, set the scene for an angelic visit and a stream of 'end times' prophecy that has seen many fulfilments.
As a promising young Israeli, Daniel had been captured into the Babylonian court; he was now old; the Medes held sway over the empire they shared with the Persians, and Jerusalem and the temple system had fallen. Yet Daniel had been counting the 67 years since his exile began; he had not forgotten that God had allotted 70 years of punishment to Israel for their failing to give the land its seventh year rests. Surely the time of punishment was drawing to a close. He still measured the time by the sacrifices that used to be made in Jerusalem, and used that time to pray for his homeland.
Then Daniel was told by the angel Gabriel that he had the esteem of God himself.
Peter said, "In His grace, God answered Daniel's prayer to forgive the Jews and return them to their homeland. But he did so much more! He promised to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness. Furthermore he promised to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.
"The power of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
A time of prayer was held immediately after the sermon, and a closing hymn was followed by tea and coffee in Carringtons Restaurant.
Hesed Fellowship holds services every Sunday afternoon at 4.15 in Carringtons, below the Atlantic Hotel. All are welcome. Telephone 01646 681805 or visit http://www.hesedcf.co.uk">www.hesedcf.co.uk for more information about the fellowship.