Sunday, October 30
Treasured by God
Scripture: Daniel 7-9, Mark 14
Daniel 9:23 At the beginning of your petitions an answer went out, and I have come to give it, for you are treasured by God. So consider the message and understand the vision.
Observation
When Daniel learns that Jeremiah prophesied that their exile would last 70 years, his response was to pray. He confessed his sins and those of the people, and asked for God’s mercy and that the promise would be fulfilled. He prayed the promise to fruition.
The Lord sent Gabriel with a message for Daniel and this is how it began: “I’ve come to give you the answer, for you are treasured by God.”
The word “treasure” is a Hebrew word translated in different versions as: greatly beloved, highly esteemed, of great value, very precious to God, treasured by God.
Application
What was it about Daniel that made him treasured by God? The clues are all over in the book of Daniel. I’d like to reread the book with this question in mind and write down the answers. Daniel never compromised, was always faithful to God and obedient, prayed and had current relationship with God, spoke the truth to power fearlessly, and so on.
Many years ago, I did a series of talks called “Be Blessable.” All through Scripture, there are certain characteristics that please God and that He promises to bless. Daniel had those in abundance. This is not to say that we earn God’s blessing; He often blesses us in spite of our behavior rather than because of it. But there are characteristics that please God and attract His blessing.
Today, I want to be blessable. I want to be someone who is treasured by God.
Prayer: Lord, help me be someone You would treasure, someone You would want to bless.