to be "highly esteemed"

i did get to finish Daniel, but the thing that stood out to me most from the last few chapters is found in chapters 9 and 10. In these two chapters alone, Daniel is called "highly esteemed" by the heavenly Being speaking to him, three times.

How amazing to be called highly esteemed, especially by heavenly hosts!!

Lately i've been trying to read a book by Dave Harvey called "Rescuing Ambition." (have you heard of it?)

So many times we (I) try to strive for earthy praise and recognition. So many times, i become ambitious for the wrong things and get motivated by the things of this world, all for some respect, and recognition from the God-less among me.

Daniel is instead scorned by those around him in his time, and by all those in positions of "power" and "prestige." He went against popular culture and thought. He strove to be found humble, obedient, and blameless before God, and therefore became "highly esteemed" in the Kingdom of God. O, how reading about Daniel sheds life onto my own self-righteousness, pettiness and misplaced desires of recognition!!

I am convicted to strive for the things above--to strive for things of the Spirit of God.

...i just realized that Hosea follows Daniel--lol! well, im excited to discuss Hosea together!