"The Visitation of Gabriel", by Ted Larson.
Daniel 9:20-23 - While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.
Can words be uttered more sweet than this? God dispatches Gabriel to tell Daniel that his prayers have been heard, and that he is greatly loved.
I peeked into tomorrow's reading in Daniel, and we see the same thing, over, and over; "Oh man, greatly loved."
Can you imagine? Would you not be completely, and utterly mute? Imagine God speaking to us in this way.
Does this not make your soul yearn with deep, resounding moaning, for that day when we will hear the Father's voice?
Imagine how creation must moan, cursed for over 6,000 years.
