GREATLY BELOVED
“And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.” Daniel 10:11
In this great vision, Daniel is referred to as “a man greatly beloved.” The man of God was overwhelmed by what He was experiencing, as God communicated this powerful message to him. How comforting these words must have been to his heart as God reassured Daniel of His great love for His servant.
What a blessing it is to know that God loves us, that we, too, are “greatly beloved.” People have the need to know that someone cares for them. The words, “I love you,” when spoken in sincerity are such comforting, reassuring words. How much more important it is to know that our Creator and Savior loves us individually and sincerely!
This message is repeated in so many places and in so many ways in the Word of God. God loves us. He loves us, not because of the way we are, but because of the way He is. He said to His people in Deuteronomy 7:7, 8, “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you…” He loves all of humanity, but He has a special love for His people. He has manifested His love for us in sending His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. He loves us at all times, and He loves us with an unending love. He loves us unconditionally.
People sometimes think that because they have made mistakes or failed the Savior that He no longer loves them. This is not the case. When God corrects His children, it is because He loves each one and wants the best for them. When Daniel faced the heavenly visitor, he needed to hear that he was “greatly beloved.” He needed to know that the God of Heaven loved Him.
When we read the Bible, we often hear that God loves us. When we are encountered with the might and power of our God and Savior, realizing His holiness and righteousness, it can be overwhelming. When we see our unworthiness in the presence of God’s glory and perfect righteousness, we wonder how He can even be mindful of us. And yet we know, without a doubt, that our Heavenly Father loves us, intimately and personally.