Angels

"How can I know this?" Zechariah asked the angel, "For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years."

The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time." Luke 1:18-20

I wonder what force was behind, "Now listen!" Our earthly minds see an indignant angel, yet even though Zechariah doubted he was not fried or dismembered, all that happened was he was unable to speak. Perhaps so that his doubt could not grow and destroy the promise, or perhaps to teach him not to doubt.

God needed John to be born, he was the forerunner for Jesus. He had to be born. John was related to Mary and that was important. This gives me hope when I doubt his whispers, for I am a part of someone else's story. This life is not all about me. Amen!

I have had visits from angels and once he brought me a message, one I did not want to accept. I was told to wait for the right answer and not take what was before me. I think I was every bit a problem to the angel that Zechariah was to Gabriel. Another time the angel brought me a beautiful ring. I suspected it was The Lord saying to me He wanted me to be His bride, however the angel did not speak. This happened while I was at work in a hospital. I didn't know what to say so I said, "hello!" And smiled. I probably need angel lessons. There has been many times I have sensed one walking towards me, it is a real blessing!

I must say I now listen and obey as I learned that the angel was right. We think we know what is best, but we don't, God does!