In the tenth chapter of the Book of Daniel, the prophet longs for understanding. He wants to know what God has planned for His people who are in exile. Therefore, Daniel prays and fasts. For three whole weeks, he eats plain food, abstains from meat and wine, and does not dress in fine clothing or anoint himself. He places himself before God in humility, praying that he might understand His will.
Daniel's prayer is answered as he stands on the banks of the Tigris river with some companions. He looks up and sees an angel. Only Daniel sees this magnificent vision, but his companions sense the angel's presence. They dash off in terror and hide. Daniel himself falls to ground on his face, his strength gone.
In the Old Testament, angels are not cute, chubby cherubs. That, in fact, is a pagan idea. Angels are the powerful, majestic messengers of God whose very presence inspires terror in people who encounter them.
The angel who appears to Daniel gently touches the terrified prophet, calls him “greatly beloved,” and tells him to get up. This angel is here in answer to Daniel's humble and persistent prayer. He has been sent to explain to Daniel what will happen to God's people in the future and how a new kingdom will one day come, a kingdom that will change the world.
Even with the angel's gentle concern, Daniel still has no strength to get up or even say a word. The vision is so overwhelming to him. The angel touches his lips so that Daniel can speak. Daniel then expresses his fear, so the angel tells him, “Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!” The angel strengthens Daniel so that he may rise up and hear the message for which he has prayed so long and hard. Through His angel, God answers Daniel's prayer, strengthens him with gentle care, and gives him the understanding he has longed for that he might pass it on to the people of his time and today.
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