Word Study Wednesday

This month's word study is on the word beloved which means loved, greatly loved and dear to heart.  I thought we would take a look at some of the people from the Bible who are called beloved to see what made them so.  We start off today with Daniel:

23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. [Dan 9:23 KJV]

Daniel was given visions by God.  Sometimes they overwhelmed him.  He was also a man of prayer.  In Chapter 9 he is beseeching God on behalf of himself and his nation.  While he was pouring his heart out to God, the angel Gabriel was sent to console him because he was beloved.

11 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 is given another vision that sends him into mourning.  Again, God so loved Daniel that He sent another messenger to him to encourage him.

19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. [Dan 10:11, 19 KJV]

Sometimes, when we don't understand God's message and what it means, we are frightened.  This messenger told Daniel to fear not, have peace and be strong.  In these uncertain and somewhat scary times, I believe He would say the same to us.