A Man Greatly Loved

Dan. 10:12

"Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God,your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words."

What a message the heavenly being brought! Daniel was a man greatly loved by God. Why? No doubt because Daniel greatly loved God, but it was also because he set his heart to understand and humbled himself before the Lord. He purposed to understand his God, to honor and obey Him, and in order to do that he had to humble himself. As I think back to the beginning of the book, I see Daniel purposing to retain his identity instead of assimilating. He chose not to eat the king's diet, and was ready to take the consequences. However, God blessed his purpose and obedience, and instead of negative results, he was advanced in the kingdom. When the law was passed to stop praying, he never wavered, but continued to pray faithfully and openly even in the face of dire consequences. But again God protected him from the lions. He interpreted dreams and gave God's message faithfully to kings. He seemed to be undaunted by the world and totally obedient to God. This is the man who was greatly loved by God.

Father,

Teach me to be faithful to what you call me to do. Give me your grace to understand Your words, to obey those words, and to be humble before You in all that I do. 

In Jesus name,

Amen