August 23, 2021 -- Daniel 10:16-19 -- Are you greatly loved? (Hint--yes you are!)

And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord's servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 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.”

Daniel 10:16-19 ESV

Daniel had received a terrifying vision. He ate bread and water for three weeks, did not wash, while he urgently prayed to understand what the LORD had previously showed him. When the LORD’s angel appeared, Daniel’s three companions ran away. They were terrified. They could not perceive what Daniel saw. Understand this, spiritual things are weighty matters. The awe-inspiring majesty of the LORD of Hosts Who is Holy is so great even His messengers give us a glimpse of heaven. No wonder Daniel fell to the ground, he fainted away (Daniel 10:9). A hand touched him, raised him to his knees and said to him “O Daniel, man greatly loved”. Again in our passage this morning Daniel is called: “O man, greatly loved”. Intense, isn’t it?

Daniel is much loved by God his Father, yet a vision drains him of all energy. Why?

The weight of the holiness of God is something we humans barely comprehend. The angels cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God Almighty” declaring this night and day. And it is not something we can contemplate for even an hour. It is too wonderful for us.

The truth of God’s revelation removes from us all distractions and all pollution of the world. The revelation of the LORD is costly physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Notice how gentle He Who Lives in Splendour and Unapproachable Light is in delegating an angel to address Daniel. The angel visitor twice repeats Daniel is greatly loved, GREATLY LOVED. It is tempting, in our humanity, to think, if I were greatly loved, I wouldn’t be thrown to the ground in awe. If it is true that nothing can compare to adoring God and He reigns forever in glory that fills the heavens and the earth, no wonder Daniel is driven to the ground. Yet, what blessedness it is to hear God’s messenger declare: “You are greatly loved”. What blessedness it is to be in the presence of God’s fellow servants worshiping God Who is worthy of all praise and honour. Though it might cost me all my strength, where would I rather be found than in His presence?

Mighty God, the long ago written words of David are so appropriate for Daniel and for us—”Who am I, LORD God…that You have brought me so far?” [II Samuel 7:18] Thank You for the grace, the loving-kindness and the extravagant mercy You have shown us in Jesus Christ. Father in heaven, thank You for the Spirit, living in us, Who declares we are greatly loved by You, our Father. Teach us, O God, to forsake the distractions of the world and to long for more and more of Your presence, wisdom and love. Amen.

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