When I was in school, I often received assignments from my teachers. These assignments were not always met with enthusiasm and often I delayed their completion as long as possible. Angels also receive assignments and they come from God Himself. These assignments are not delayed, and are carried out as quickly as possible with military precision. Hebrews 1:14 says, “Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. [1] In our story, an angel visits Mary to give her a message. But angels can minister to all people who will inherit salvation. Most of the time, angels are in the unseen realm carrying out their duties, but in Mary’s case, the angel Gabriel gave her a personal message.
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.[2] Luke 1:26-31
Of all the assignments the angel Gabriel received, telling Mary she was going to have a child who would be Jesus had to be a very special experience. No other angel before or after would ever receive such a wonderful assignment. Angels, in their glory, are awesome to behold and usually tell people not to be afraid.
What are some of the amazing assignments angels receive from God to help people of faith?
They protect: Psalm 34:7- For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. [3]
They rescue: Acts 5:19-20 -But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!” [4]
They give guidance: Acts 8:26 -As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” [5]
Take a moment and thank the Lord for angels who have been at work in your life along your journey of faith.
Listen to the story of Mary here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/gods-plan-stretches-and-molds-me
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Heb 1:14, Luke 1:26-31, Psalm 34:7, Acts 5:19-20, Acts 8:26). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.