I always perk up when I read something from scripture that gives me a glimpse into the spirit world. And if I happen to learn an important lesson along the way, well, that’s all the more intriguing. In Daniel 9:23 we find these words:
“As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision:”
This verse comes after Daniel was earnestly praying for the Israelites. It says that while he was still in prayer, the angel Gabriel came to him in swift flight. Then Gabriel tells him that as soon as he began to pray an answer was given. So, God knew what he needed before he even asked. Then Gabriel tells him that he is highly esteemed – referring to how he is viewed in the heavenly realm. Wouldn’t it be incredibly humbling and exhilarating to hear that you are highly esteemed by God? Then Gabriel goes on to share with him the meaning of a vision Daniel had. I’m convinced that God shares stories about men like Daniel so that we can see what pleases him, and so that we can aspire to be like these people. The Bible says that Daniel was highly esteemed. I’m sure that every believer would want that to be said of them by God. To have a vision, to be visited by an angel, and to be told that he is highly esteemed wasn’t necessarily the best part of Daniel’s day. In the end, he had his prayers answered as well, as Gabriel explained his vision. I encourage you to read the book of Daniel to see how he lived. And in the process, you’ll learn why he was considered “highly esteemed” in the eyes of God. Then ultimately, you and I can begin to pattern our life after his example.
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There are dozens of men and women of the Bible whom God esteemed. David was a man after God’s heart. Moses and Noah were the most humble men of their time. Elisha was taken up to heaven without even tasting death. As believers, we can look at the lives of people like these to learn the secret of how they gained such high esteem in God’s sight. And when we find that out, we can incorporate those virtues, practices and behaviors in our own life.
