Greatly Loved - Daniel 7-12

Daniel 9:23 (ESV Strong's)

At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.

Daniel 10:11 (ESV Strong's)

And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling.

Daniel 10:19 (ESV Strong's)

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.”

Greatly Loved

On three occasions, God sends the angel Gabriel to tell Daniel he is greatly loved.   In the midst of receiving revelation after revelation, vision upon vision, and mystery on top of mystery, Daniel receives even something greater than visions ... he is told he is greatly loved by the God of the universe.   When we read these last chapters of Daniel we see that after seeing the many visions God sent him, he was confused and dazed.  

Daniel 7:15 (ESV Strong's)

“As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.

Daniel 7:28 (ESV Strong's)

“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly alarmed me, and my color changed, but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Daniel received the “word of God” but it did not settle on him like we do in church.  He was fearful and trembling at what he heard from God.   But, God took the time to send him the message he needed to hear, “You are greatly loved.”   God sent all of the New Testament believer of this age, the same message, but in a most spectacular why:

Psalms 117:2 (ESV Strong's)

For great is his steadfast love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

Romans 5:6 (ESV Strong's)

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

God loves us.  Unconditionally!!   We can rejoice in that He knows us and still loves us and proved it with the ultimate sacrifice.