Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets."
Text: Ephesians 3:5
GOD’S MANY MESSENGERS
The Scriptures reveal to us that God has many messengers. The following may be noted:-
1. Angelic messengers
a) Old Testament
The most classic example may be found in the Book of Daniel. God sent an angel to explain prophetic visions (Cf. Daniel 8-9)
b) New Testament
The angel Gabriel was sent as a messenger to Mary and Zacharias (Cf. Luke 1). Angelic messengers were however, most uncommon.
2. Prophets
God normally used human agencies. The prophets were featured most prominently in Old Testament times. The following text highlights the ministry of the prophets of old.
“Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah,
by all of His prophets, every seer, saying,
‘Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments
and My statutes,
according to all the law which I commanded your fathers,
and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets.'”
2 KINGS 17:13
a) Some were non-writing prophets
i) Elijah (1 Kings 17ff)
ii) Elisha (2 Kings 1ff)
b) Some were writing prophets
i) Isaiah
ii) Jeremiah
3. Apostles
It was the Lord Jesus Himself who appointed apostles. The word “apostle” simply means “one who is sent out on a mission”. These were especially empowered with great authority. These, like the prophets of old, received many messages, from the Lord. In like manner, some apostles left behind a legacy of writings, while others did not. All however, were privileged to receive special revelation from God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.