That Stands in His Presence

Author: Pastor Thomas G. Wilson
May 25, 2020

Luke 1:26-27 KJV [26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, [27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

 

If you’ve heard the Christmas story, chances are you recognize Gabriel as the name of the angel, who brought Mary the good news that she had found favor with God, and would conceive and bring forth a son and call His name Jesus. Luke 1:26-38 Gabriel also appeared to Zacharias (the father of John the Baptist), at the time of the evening prayer, to announce that his prayers had been answered and his wife would conceive and have a son.  When Zacharias doubted the angel’s message he was rendered mute; the angel was authorized to use power to protect the integrity of the message. Luke 1:11-19

 

Gabriel is first mentioned by name in Daniel 8:16. At this time, Daniel was living in Babylon where the Jews were in exile. Even though Daniel was chosen to serve as advisor to the King, he stayed true to his faith and yet still earned great favor with the King.  Daniel had many visions of the future. It was after one such vision that the angel Gabriel visited him. Gabriel was assigned to explain the meaning of the vision to Daniel; he illuminated what was to come in the distant future as well as gave an introduction to the antichrist. Daniel 8:15-26

 

Gabriel returned at least once more, in Daniel 9. He was sent in response to Daniel’s prayer for “insight and understanding” regarding the captivity of his people. In this encounter, Gabriel pointed ahead to the “Anointed One,” a name for the Messiah, who would be Jesus and told of His triumph over the antichrist.  Daniel 9:20-27

 

Gabriel identified himself to Zacharias as the one “… that stands in the presence of God.”  Looking at the top-secret level of prophetic information he delivered, who could question his closeness to the Almighty.

 

Gabriel is widely considered to be an archangel although however he’s never called by this designation in the scriptures.  Gabriel reminds us that God hears and cares for His people. Gabriel was entrusted with the good news of God’s unconditional love for mankind demonstrated in the coming of Jesus. 
 

For further reading:  Read and meditate all references found in the body of the above article.

BACK