Daniel is praying for his people, acknowledging their sin and asking for mercy. He says: 'The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.' He's confessing not just personal sin but corporate sin - we have rebelled.
It's interesting that Daniel includes himself in the confession even though he's been righteous. But he understands that he's part of a community, and the community has sinned, and he shares in that guilt and need for forgiveness.
I've been learning about collective responsibility and corporate sin. As a white American, I've benefited from systems of injustice. Even if I didn't create them, I've inherited them. Daniel's example of including himself in the confession, of saying 'we have sinned' even though he's personally righteous, that's challenging me to do the same.
No comments yet. Be the first.