Advent: Behold Day 2

Meet Gabriel - and Behold!

 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” Luke 1:19-20 ESV

We first meet Gabriel in the Old Testament. Daniel, famous for his dreams and visions, has one he can’t decipher and God sends Gabriel to explain. Behold, I will make known to you what shall be.” Daniel 8:19 It’s a command to Hear! Comprehend! Behold! What’s coming next will be of great benefit to your soul, your faith, your very being. God is saying, “Pay close attention!”

Gabriel’s first appearance in Luke is with Zechariah, a man who has difficulty swallowing the message given. Gabriel lays out his credentials and lays on a Behold! Pay close attention Zechariah! He gets a perfect combination of judgement and mercy. Mute for 9 months he can reflect and prepare how he will spread the good news he has heard and is actively experiencing up to the day his son John is born.  

For some, the joyous news of God stepping into our world as a baby to serve our greatest need is a lot to swallow. Use some quiet with God to reflect and prepare how you can share this goods news in a way that can be heard. Tell God the name of the person. Listen to God carefully, be in His Word, talk to Him in prayer. Think of your opening - “What’s coming next is really good for you!”