SATURDAY December 9, 2023
Standing in the Presence of God
And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
Luke 1:18-20
The angel Gabriel had left the presence of God in heaven to give a message to Zacharias––a faithful, earthly priest. Even though Zacharias had a heavenly encounter with an angel, he struggled with unbelief. He limited his faith, thinking, How can Elizabeth have a child in her old age? He had just seen an angel––not just any angel––this was Gabriel who stood in the very presence of God!
Gabriel rebuked Zacharias for his unbelief. He had just received glad tidings, but now what the angel had to say to him was not so pleasant. He told the priest, as a result of his unbelief, he would not be able to speak until the birth of his son took place.
Sadly, unbelief becomes such a hindrance to so many people. Think about it. Angels in heaven who stand before God’s throne spoke of the wonders that envelop the Christmas story. As we read the different accounts of Christ’s birth in the Gospels, many heavenly messengers were sent to earth to tell different people what was going to happen.
If you find it hard to believe man’s account of the Christmas message, will you believe the heralds of angels who stand in the very presence of God?
“Hark the herald angels sing ‘Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!’ Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’ Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!’”
~Charles Wesley~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
