Being Receptive To Divine Intercession & Purpose

In the days of old, when the world was steeped in silence and anticipation, there was one who moved between Heaven and Earth, a bearer of divine messages, known to many as Gabriel. Though not called an archangel in the scriptures, Gabriel stood in the presence of God, a testament to his esteemed position in the celestial hierarchy, and inasmuch – served God fully and completely in all manners and according to the LORD’s will and purpose.

The Annunciation to Zechariah

Gabriel’s tale begins in the hallowed halls of the temple, where incense rose like prayers to the heavens. It was there, at the right side of the altar, that Zechariah, a priest of the order of Abijah, beheld the presence of Gabriel. The angel, radiant as the dawn, brought tidings of a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Lord.

And the angel answering said unto him, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings” –Luke 1:19.

The Message to Mary

Not long after, in the humble town of Nazareth, a young maiden named Mary encountered the same celestial being. Gabriel greeted her, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” –Luke 1:28. Fear took hold of Mary, but Gabriel spoke of a promise, a child to be born, the Son of the Most High, whose kingdom would know no end. “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” –Luke 1:31.

Gabriel’s Guidance to Daniel

In the annals of prophecy, Gabriel appeared to Daniel, a man of devout prayer and unwavering faith. As Daniel sought understanding of his visions, Gabriel came in swift flight, offering insight and revelation. He spoke of seventy ‘sevens,’ a divine timetable for the redemption of the world. “And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision –Daniel 8:16.”

Reflections and Questions

Gabriel, the messenger, serves as a bridge between the divine and the mortal, a reminder that the heavens are not indifferent to our plight. His appearances herald moments of great significance, turning points in the grand narrative of salvation.

• What messages might Gabriel bring to us today, if we, like Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary, attune our hearts to listen?
• How can we prepare ourselves to receive divine guidance in our own lives?

May this article inspire reflection on the role of the LORD’s divine messengers and the messages they bear, encouraging us to seek a deeper connection with our LORD and be aware of His purpose for our lives.

“Dear LORD just as Gabriel delivered Your words of hope and promise, may I be receptive to Your voice at all times, please grant me the courage to embrace Your will, the strength to walk the path You have laid out before me to walk upon and the wisdom to discern Your messages that You speak to me, in Your Word, and in my prayers, may I hear Your answers and follow Your will all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name,  Amen.”