O Beloved, Greatly Loved

“Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for You have strengthened me.” (1)

Daniel was one of the Jews deported from Jerusalem to Babylon, as recorded in the book of Daniel. This account describes a vision that left him frightened and in great conflict. He was given sight to see though this world into an unseen world – a world of spiritual conflict, and it pained him. He also was given understanding of some specific prophecies that the nation of Israel would endure. God used this prophet to equip His people for troubling, disturbing times. He prepared and forewarned them of what would take place.

When Daniel encountered the vision, his spirit was troubled. In fright he lost all strength, became mute and couldn’t breathe. The angel encouraged Daniel by physically touching him. Their is power in touch! Then the angel strengthened him three times. First, Daniel was comforted when he was told to stand upright. In obedience he stood before the angel, but he trembled greatly. Next the angel reassured him saying, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, I have come because of your words. (2) The angel confirmed to him, his prayers was not only heard, but because of them he came to make Daniel understand what was to take place in the vision concerning the latter days. We must recognize that God always responds to the call of His people. The third time he was sustained by the angel to be courageous. He said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” (3) In spite of the upcoming future He was to fear not and be courageous. Lastly, the angel gave Daniel the message he would soon leave to fight against the prince of Persia, (the evil one). It must have been a comfort for Daniel to be reaffirmed that he was not alone and God, Himself would be doing the fighting. We must note: His prayers too, were hindered for twenty-one days because of spiritual warfare, but God came through as He always does.

We can see how God empowered Daniel; He answered his prayers, gave him understanding into the future days of Israel national condition, affirmed His great love for Daniel then reassured him of the peace and comfort in God alone. Even when Daniel was strained by the reality of these events, still God reassured him of His extreme love. It was vitally important for Daniel to know how much he was loved; so this enormous love would sustain him and he could endure what was ahead. God GREATLY loves you, too!

Let this truth speak to you too! You are intricately bound to God in love – God has you…if you have set your heart to love Him. You belong to Him! Wherever you are in your life; whether in crisis or singing from the mountain top, you can claim this promise. You are greatly loved by God – so immensely loved, that His hand print is stamped on your heart. How could you even begin to measure such great love? Its beauty and wonder is infinitely high, full of abundance and boundless! “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; (4) God’s love is authentic and genuinely true. He shows us, like He did Daniel, that He is REAL. He is always working behind the scenes strengthening and sustaining us, even in distressing times.

“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand…” (5)

Just as Daniel was disturbed by the vision given to him of the forthcoming troubles, we too can relate and be discouraged by worldly events. In worldly crisis we must remember God highly loves us, and sends His words of comfort into our hearts. Daniel’s faith was uncompromising. May we be as faithful to God as this man of God was whereby we are equipped to stand strong in the day of trouble!

“…O heavenly Father the immensity of Your love is beyond me. Thank you for the help in allowing me to understand such love by the precepts of Your Word. Your promises and purposes bring me comfort and they cause me to fear Your name more. Amen

Footnotes:

1. Daniel 10:18, 19
2. Daniel 10:12
3. Daniel 10:19a
4. Psalms 103:11
5. Daniel 11:21b, 33a

All Scriptures are taken from the esv