‘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”‘ (Luke 1:19 ESV).
Gabriel, the angel who appeared to Zechariah, was no ordinary messenger. He was one who stood in the very presence of God. His message was not his own, but a divine proclamation straight from the throne of heaven. Yet, Zechariah, a priest serving in the Temple, doubted the words of this heavenly messenger. Perhaps Gabriel was taken aback by Zechariah’s unbelief, after all, both of them had a role in the presence of God. However, there was a significant difference: Gabriel stood unhindered before God’s glory, while Zechariah ministered before the altar of incense, separated by a thick curtain from the Holy of Holies.
That curtain symbolized the barrier between humanity and God’s presence—a barrier that Jesus would ultimately remove through His death on the cross. When He died on the cross, the veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that those who believe in Christ now have direct access to God’s presence.
Today, we serve a God who invites us into His presence, not from behind a veil, but boldly and personally through Jesus. When doubts creep in, we must remember that our faith rests not in our circumstances but in the unshakable truth of God’s Word. Just as Gabriel’s message was trustworthy, so are the promises God has given us in Scripture. Today, let us approach God with confidence, knowing that in Christ, the separation is removed, and we are welcomed before His throne.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for making a way for us to enter Your presence through Jesus. Forgive us when we doubt Your promises and struggle to trust in Your Word. Strengthen our faith, and help us to boldly approach You with confidence, knowing that You hear our prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.