"Woe is me, I am ruined!"

"So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength." Daniel 10:8 (American Standard Version)

I try not to be part of the "version police" who completely write off certain versions of the Bible and accept only a select few - God is not limited to "versions" of His word. But I do prefer some over others in my personal study. Specifically because there are some words that completely transform a verse into different perspective and meaning. In other versions of the above verse, the description is that Daniel, upon seeing a vision, turned physically pale and sickly-looking. That may be true, but I think the American Standard Version takes it to another level. The phrase "for my comeliness was turned in me to corruption" shows what Daniel was truly seeing - he was pure filth in the presence of holiness.

Daniel saw what other prophets saw: himself in comparison to the holiness of God. Isaiah also was filled with fear when he saw a vision of God Almighty in Isaiah 6:5 (see the title of this post), as did many others. I'm not trying to preach some hellfire message of horrible people and the wrath of God. My point is simply this: until we are granted a perspective of our holiness in comparison to God's holiness, we'll never truly understand what it means to be saved and born again. We'll go about our lives expecting blessings from God as if He owes us something. But when we are able to gain understanding into the Holiness of God, we become desperate for Him. Our need for Him is exposed. We seek Him without end. We find Him and realize that He owes us nothing, but He desires to give us all things.

In the words of my infinitely wise brother-in-law, "A Savior is most glorified where folks need saving" (Barten Conner Pope Latner, III). All folks need saving, but not all folks know it. Are you amazed at the fact that you have been saved? Perhaps we don't expect miracles because we can't see the greatest miracle of all - an infinitely holy God saved me and loves me despite myself and my insistent denial of Him in the way that I live. Seek God and ask Him to show you Himself and His holiness, that you may become desperate for Him.