Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 1:11-20 "THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS"
Day 10 – Luke 1
Text: Luke 1:11-20
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
In the Scriptures, we have frequent mentions of the presence and ministry of angels. In the context of Luke 1:11-20, and also in Luke 1:26-38, we have two mentions of the ministry of angel named Gabriel. In order to understand and appreciate the encounter that Zacharias had with the angel Gabriel, let us take time to appreciate the general ministry of angels.
A QUICK SURVEY OF THE ANGELIC MINISTRY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Two angels of the Lord were sent to assess the moral state of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1). They exercised tremendous authority. In their summary of their assessment of Sodom and Gomorrah, they declared, “We will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord” (Gen. 19:13). Angels represent God. They carry with them great authority and power.
2. Jacob was once given a “dream”. In this special dream given by God, he saw “a ladder set up on earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Gen. 28:12). God spoke kindly to Jacob and promised that His Presence would be with him wherever he went (Gen. 28:15). When Jacob awoke, he cried out, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). The angels in this portion of Scripture teach us about the awesome majesty of God. He has mighty angels attending Him! Jacob was right to fear God!
3. One of the most striking passages in the Old Testament where the presence of angels is mentioned is 2 Kings 6. Israel was at war with Syria at that point of time. A huge army was sent to capture Elisha the prophet. “Horses and chariots” surrounded the city where Elisha lived. The servant of Elisha was in terror when he saw the huge army surrounding the city. Elisha on the other hand urged his servant not to be in fear at all. He comforted his servant with these assuring words, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha knew that his servant was still afraid and then he offered up a special prayer, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” In response to Elisha’s prayer, “The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha…” (2 Kings 6:16-17). We read of angels in the Book of Psalms too. We read for instance, these wonderful words, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Ps.34:7). The angels of the Lord played a special role in the life of Elisha the prophet. They protected him! They may be invisible to other people, but not to Elisha who either saw or sensed their presence, and was thus not perturbed by any untoward or adverse circumstances in his life. How we need eyes of faith to see the invisible! How our hearts must praise God for giving us angels to protect us (Cf. Psalm 91:11-12).
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
We are introduced to the ministry of angels in the birth narratives of both John the Baptizer and the Lord Jesus Christ. The ministry of the angel Gabriel is not insignificant. His conversation with Zacharias, and his subsequent rebuke of Zacharias for his unbelief offer further glimpses of angels.
The word “angel” comes from the Greek language. It simply means “messenger”. Imagine a mighty angel who has power and authority to destroy a city, being only a “messenger” of the Lord. What majesty the Lord must have!
The Book of Hebrews teaches us that “the word of angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward” (Heb. 2:2). The angel Gabriel came with a special message from the Lord, but Zacharias could not bring himself to believe in the word of the angel. He received “a just reward” when he was struck dumb for the next nine months, until his wife Elizabeth delivered a baby boy, in fulfillment of the word uttered by the angel Gabriel.
Again in Hebrews we read that “angels are spirits and His ministers” (Heb.1:7). We are deeply challenged when we read another significant statement, that “they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14).
Thank God for His angels! They surround the throne of God and serve as His ministers! They have many ministries, and one of them relates to us. They are commissioned by the Lord to care for those who are to inherit salvation! We may not see the angels sent to look after us, but by faith we know that they encamp around those who fear the Lord!
TAKE TIME TO FOR PRAISE AND PRAYER!
What is your heart’s response to today’s Meditation? Did you pause to pray and praise the Lord for giving to us His angels to protect us? Let your step be lighter and more confident as you dwell on this wonderful truth!