Angels and Mankind

Monday, December 15, 2008: Luke 1:11–13

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

Background: Zacharias was one of the priests performing his duties inside the Holy place of the tabernacle. No one else was allowed to be anywhere near.

Why was Zacharias afraid? Wouldn’t you be afraid if a person suddenly appeared in an area where only you were supposed to be? Furthermore, this person knew you, your wife, and told you that you would have a son and name him John!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008: Luke 1:18–20

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.”

Why was Zacharias reply inappropriate? It is not too difficult to know that a woman is pregnant! Such a dumb reply deserved the punishment he received.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008: Luke 1:26–32

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

What did it mean, in those days, to be ‘a virgin betrothed to a man?’ Engagement was then considered marriage. But the man had to build his own room inside his father’s property. When it was finished, he brought his wife into their new home to consummate their marriage.

(Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

In what way was Mary’s reply correct? Mary’s faith, and not her understanding allowed her to accept this rationally impossible declaration.)

Thursday, December 18, 2008: Luke 1:38

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

What did it mean that Joseph her husband was minded to put her away secretly? Public denouncement would have ostracized her from Israel. Joseph thought highly of her and decided not to do this, but not consummate their marriage.

Friday, December 19, 2008: Matthew 1:24-25

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Was Joseph’s answer correct? Yes, he immediately followed the vision that very night.