IN the tenth chapter of the book of Daniel it is recorded that Daniel was lying "in a deep sleep," with his face to the ground, having mourned and abstained from certain foods "till three whole weeks were fulfilled." Then he heard a voice saying, "O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent." From distrust of himself he was awakened to trust in God. The strength of divine Love became the strength of Daniel.
In Nehemiah it is written that when "the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins," they were told to "stand up and bless the Lord . . . God for ever and ever." In every age, the "seed of Israel" are those who bear witness to Spirit through their own spirituality, and rejoice in its regenerating influence.
With spiritual authority the Apostle Paul said to a man crippled from birth, "who never had walked," "Stand upright on thy feet;" and "he leaped and walked." The error which had laid him low, the inertia and fear which had prostrated him all his lifetime, were instantly blotted out by the power of Truth. Through quickened spiritual volition and strength, this man was empowered to rise, glimpse his true selfhood, and recover normal activity. Dejection and failure are contrary to the law of God and the destiny of man. Through the spiritual understanding of a Christian apostle, the beneficent law of God operated immediately on the man's behalf.
