HIGHLY ESTEEMED

I love Jesus and try to follow and emulate my Savior. However, if there is another person in the Scripture that resonates with me, that person would be Daniel. One of the huge characteristics that Daniel had which I aspire to is to be esteemed. 

Because of what King Nebuchadnezzar set as his criteria for those brought out of Jerusalem in his siege of the city, we can deduce that Daniel was of the royal family or at least nobility, young and without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. (Daniel 1:3-5) However, it is what the angel Gabriel proclaimed three times about him (Dan. 9:23; 10:11; 10:19) that catches my attention.

Daniel was esteemed by both the citizens of heaven and earth. Oh, forgive me, he was "highly esteemed". Here is what those three verses state - 

"As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed." - Dan. 9:23

"He said, 'Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.'” - Dan. 10:11

“'Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,' he said. 'Peace! Be strong now; be strong.' When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, 'Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.'” - Dan. 10:19

The original Hebrew word for "esteem" used in all three accounts is chamad (khaw-mad), meaning greatly beloved, desired, delight and/or precious thing. A proclamation from an earthly king or his herald that you are highly esteemed is one thing. To hear that you are "highly esteemed" from the Chief Angelic Messeger of the Lord Most High - Gabriel - is another thing. The declaration is slightly more meaningful (sarcasm included) coming from The Throne of Heaven. Observe what happened to Zechariah when he was visited by Gabriel with the news of his wife's ability to finally have children.

"Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.'

The angel said to him, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.'” (Luke 1:18-20)

Now back to Daniel's visitations. First, try to imagine being visited by Gabriel. Then as he calms you down to deliver his message to you, he informs you that you are greatly beloved, desired, delighted in, a precious person - "highly esteemed" in the courts of Heaven. Wow! And on top of this Daniel has his three friends, is young and without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. I don't know if I qualify for the additional stuff, but I know that through Christ Jesus my Lord I am Highly Esteemed!