Gabriel
Today’s Verse:
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. ~Luke 1:19
Angels are God’s ministering spirits and flames of fire sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation. They encamp round about those who love the Lord. They escort the souls of the departed into the presence of God. They overshadow and protect God’s people. Archangels are the highest rank among the angels. Two of them are named in the Bible: Michael and Gabriel. Gabriel is referred to four times in the Bible. God sent him to Daniel, Zacharias, and Mary. Let us see the blessing of the ministry of the archangel Gabriel.
We see his moniker.
His name has a very special and powerful meaning. It means “man of God.” Even though he is not man physically with flesh and blood, his name embodies the characteristics of a man who is set apart for the service and work of God. The very name “a man of God” implies a man whom God owns, empowers, and has enlisted into His work. There are men in the Bible who are identified as men of God such as Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah, Elisha, Hanan, Shemaiah, and Timothy. There are others who are not named other than the reference “the man of God.” Everything about the man of God should identify him as godly and spiritual.
We see his mark.
“I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God.” What a statement! A man of God stands in the presence of God. Standing in God’s presence speaks of the man and his fellowship with God. Standing in God’s presence speaks of the man and his fire from God. Standing in God’s presence speaks of the man and his faithfulness to God. The man of God is identified with his walk. I think of Enoch, who walked with God and was a preacher of righteousness to his generation. I think of Moses, who spent time on Mount Sinai with God, and his face shone when he came down the mountain. Men of God should be known for their time in prayer, their time in the Word, and their ability to influence men for God.
We see his mission.
Men of God are God’s messengers to the people of God. Gabriel said, “I… am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” His message is the word from God to people. He could be sent to one individual, or he could be sent to a gathering of people. His mission is the message that God has given him. Gabriel brought messages that were comforting, doctrinal, incredible, and specific to a group of people. His mission from God must have been completed in its entirety. His mission covered his life span. For Gabriel, his mission was specific and short-lived, but powerful.
We see his message.
He has a message of urgency. He has a message that is personal. He has a message that must be truthful. He has a message that centers on God’s will and God’s grace. His message emboldens the receiver to have faith in God. His message bears God’s authority. His message could be rejected, but he is to give the message, regardless.
Have a ministry-minded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 9-10