Angels have always been a fascinating subject. Only two of God's Archangels are mentioned by name; Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel was God's most profound messenger. Although Gabriel was sent to Daniel, to explain a vision several times, he was also the one that handled many delicate siutations. Believe me Mary was a most delicate situation! Many stories are told of the Angels who brought similar messages but their names weren't given. Perhaps it was Gabriel! But the few times Gabriel's name is mentioned it is because his name means; 'Strong man of God' or God is my strength!' His visits were important!
Zachariah questions Gabriel with; "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." His question was not received well by God's Archangel! "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news." Luke 1:18-19 Gabriel not only had God's ear but he was given authority to act when the occasion warranted it. Zachariah was stricken silent; unable to speak until the child, he was just told would be born to him and Elizabeth, was born. Why was he stricken? Because he did not believe Gabriel's words.
Being an Archangel means you are an angel of the highest order. I don't believe there was a hierarchy in the Angel order because God is supreme, but there were those who were closest to God and did His bidding in extreme matters. Whether it was matters of war or establishing the "horn of salvation; the mighty Savior", these Angeles were prepared and ready!
When Gabriel came to Mary he was far more gentle than he was with Zachariah. His first greeting to her, set her back. "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" Luke 1:28b I believe Gabriel's appearance had something to do with Mary's response to his greeting. If he had looked like a man, she might have turned and ran but supposing he looked like someone she had never seen before and was dressed in wonderment to keep her feet planted to the ground. Albeit, she was troubled by the greeting. However, Gabriel sensing her discomfort gave her God's message with further delay.
When Zachariah questioned Gabriel, he was left speechless. When Mary said; "How shall this be, since I have no husband", Gabriel was gentle and calmly explained the process; "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called Holy, the Son of God." Luke 1:35
Have you ever been visited by an Angel? "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrew 13:1-2
The idea of entertaining angels has a mystical view but when you are not aware that they could be angels sent by God, the idea becomes astronomical!
If the Archangel Gabriel would visit you with a message sent from the Most High, how would you respond! If any of the Angels would visit you and offer help or consolation, how would you respond? If a stranger offered you help in any way, how would you respond? If you meet someone who is a stranger to you and they needed your immediate help, do you see yourself as the angel sent by God to help them? Because God says that we could entertain angels unawares we should be loving, kind and helpful to all we meet.
"For He will give His angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways!" Psalms 91:11 This same passage is also found when Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness. Matthew 4:6 This passage comes with conditions for you and me. We must "dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the Shadow of the Almighty!" Psalms 91:1 By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/14/09
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