The book of Daniel mentions several benefits for those who have a repentant heart. Indeed, for all who acknowledge their sin, God does the miraculous. One such benefit is a new and clearer image of Jesus. Read what happened after Daniel’s repentance prayer in Daniel 10.
“I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision…” (Daniel 10:5-7, NKJV).
Who do you think Daniel saw in this vision? It was Jesus! What a wonderful benefit the Holy Spirit opened to Daniel when he confessed his sin. He was given a clear, unobstructed view of Christ in all his glory.
Please understand that Daniel was not looking for a vision. All he was doing was confessing and mourning over his sin. Jesus took it upon himself to come to Daniel; he initiated it. When we repent and make things right with God and others, Jesus will manifest himself to us.
Daniel had friends who were also godly because he walked only among the righteous, yet scripture tells us none of them saw the vision he did: “The men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone” (Daniel 10:7-8).
A truly repentant heart never has to hide from the Lord because there is no longer any fear of judgment. If you acknowledge your sins with godly sorrow and make restitution, you can look confidently into the master’s face. You do not have to quake with fear when you hear reproof. All you will see before you is Christ in all his love and glory.