Luke 1:19

New Living Translation

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!

For Encouragement

What did Zechariah expect the angel to tell him when he asked how he could be sure of his message (Luke 1:18)? Lay out the plan and intricate ways God would alter his and Elizabeth’s body to enable pregnancy and birth. It reminds me of Naman and his expectations of Elisha.

I thought he would certainly come out to meet me! He said. I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the Lord his God and heal me! (2 Kings 5:11).

We all have expectations of how things should go for us or how people should respond to us and no doubt, Zechariah’s query to the angel pointed to such expectations. However, the angel had a different approach. What Zechariah needed was not the details of how God works. His credentials as the chief messenger of God to Israel were enough to validate his message.

I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news (Luke 2:19).

The angel identified himself as Gabriel, and if Zechariah had his wits with him, he would know who Gabriel was to Israel, but since the old priest couldn’t even remember what God did for Abraham and Sarah, it may mean nothing to him. If there was any vital news for Israel from God, Gabriel delivered it. That was not all.

Gabriel stood in the presence of God all the time. His position in heaven was intimate, and nothing God declared passed without his knowledge. An insider of that magnitude, his word carried weight and must receive attention and belief. However, to convince Zechariah, there was more evidence of his credibility to provide.

God Himself sent him with the message to Zechariah. Gabriel did not eavesdrop and ran to tell. He did not receive a truncated message either. He received the entire message from the Most High God, including the recipient’s name and address. Gabriel did not miss his way. He carried the authentic message, the proper beneficiary, and the correct address.

Zechariah’s facial expression still revealed his unbelief, which was why Gabriel gave him that rigid sign.

 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time (20).

 Can you validate the Good News you carry with the confident statement of your name, spiritual position, and the mandate God has given you to declare to all nations? It is not only in evangelism but in our personal lives in the offices, neighborhoods, communities, and everywhere somebody challenges your message. As Peter says:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

So, child of God! What is your name? What is your standing with Christ, and the purity of His message you carry?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for reminding me that, as your ambassador, the integrity of my name matters. Keep me in your presence always, that I may know your word, live it and carry it with confidence. Amen.