The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. Luke 1:10-12 WEB
In the entirety of scripture, the bible only provides the names of four angels. Two of these angels serve the Lord. They are Gabriel who is a messenger sent from God and Michael who serves the Lord as an archangel. The other two exist in rebellion to our Creator. These angelic beings are Lucifer also known as Satan or the Devil and Abaddon, known in Greek as Apollyon. The bible refers to Apollyon only once in Revelation as the angel who rules over the abyss or bottomless pit.
God’s Messenger
Chapter one of Luke’s gospel describes two instances of encounters with an angel. Each of these events involved Gabriel delivering a message from God. First, Gabriel appeared to Zacharias to announce the birth of a son to Zacharias and his elderly wife Elizabeth. This occurred as Zacharias performed his duty as a priest in the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle in the temple at Jerusalem. Later in the chapter, Gabriel appeared to Mary announcing to her the divine conception of her son Jesus the Son of God and Savior of the world.
With attendees praying outside of the temple, Zacharias entered the Holy of Holies, or innermost part of the temple, to burn incense to the Lord. While in the process of performing his priestly duty, Gabriel appeared. Scripture records, in this event and when Gabriel appeared to Mary, that the sight of the angel troubled and frightened each of them. We read of Mary’s concern in Luke 1:29 which says, “But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. WEB”
The Servant of the Lord
Both Mary and Zacharias experienced fright upon seeing Gabriel, but their reactions to his message were very different. Mary accepted the good news of God’s divine favor in faith. She said in Luke 1:38, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. WEB” Both Mary and her elder relative Elizabeth conceived children dedicated to the service of the Lord. Jesus would save repentant sinners from condemnation and John the Baptist would prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry.
In contrast to Mary’s acceptance, Zacharias questioned the angel in disbelief. Scripture rercords Gabriel’s response to Zacharias’ doubt. We read his words in Luke 1:19-20 which says, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day that these things happen, because you didn’t believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of the gospel message of Christ. Thank you for the faithful who follow your lead. Guide me with the wisdom of your Holy word. Help me to serve your will here on earth. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Hold Firmly to the Word
