What other biblical figures were "highly esteemed" by God, and why? Understanding “Highly Esteemed” - The phrase surfaces prominently in Daniel: • Daniel 9:23 – “At the beginning of your petitions an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” • Daniel 10:11 – “Daniel, you are a man highly esteemed.” • Daniel 10:19 – “Do not be afraid, highly esteemed man.” - In Scripture, to be “highly esteemed” or “favored” is to be singled out by God for approval, closeness, and purposeful service. Old Testament Figures Highly Esteemed by God - Abraham • Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • James 2:23 – “…he was called a friend of God.” • Esteemed for unwavering faith and obedient surrender (Genesis 22). - Moses • Numbers 12:3 – “Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.” • Deuteronomy 34:10 – “No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” • Esteemed for meekness, intercession, and intimacy with God. - David • 1 Samuel 13:14 – “…the LORD has sought out a man after His own heart.” • Acts 13:22 – “I have found David… a man after My own heart.” • Esteemed for wholehearted devotion, repentance, and worship. - Noah • Genesis 6:8–9 – “Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD… Noah walked with God.” • Esteemed for righteousness amid widespread corruption. - Job • Job 1:8 – “There is no one on earth like him, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil.” • Esteemed for integrity and perseverance under trial. - Enoch • Genesis 5:24 – “Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.” • Hebrews 11:5 – “…before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” • Esteemed for consistent, God-pleasing faith. New Testament Figures Highly Esteemed by God - Mary (mother of Jesus) • Luke 1:28 – “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” • Luke 1:30 – “…you have found favor with God.” • Esteemed for humble submission: “May it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). - John the Baptist • Luke 7:28 – “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” • Esteemed for prophetic boldness and preparing the way for Messiah. - The Apostle John (“the disciple whom Jesus loved”) • John 13:23 – “One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.” • Esteemed for intimate fellowship and faithful witness. - Stephen • Acts 6:8 – “Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs.” • Acts 7:55 – “…he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God…” • Esteemed for Spirit-filled courage and unwavering testimony. What Set These Individuals Apart - Genuine faith that trusted God’s word over circumstances. - Humility that acknowledged dependence on the Lord. - Obedience even when costly or misunderstood. - Courage to stand for righteousness in hostile settings. - Intimate walk with God marked by prayer, worship, and surrender. Key Takeaways for Believers Today - God still values faith, humility, and obedience; He “rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). - Esteem from God is His gracious favor, not human applause; it flows from relationship, not résumé. - Walking closely with the Lord in everyday choices positions us to be used mightily for His purposes, just as He esteemed and used these men and women of old. |
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