Angels: Divine Messengers in Redemptive History

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical doctrine of angels, we delve into their role as messengers in redemptive history, focusing on their interactions with key figures in the Bible. We begin with the story of Zacharias, a priest who encounters the angel Gabriel while serving in the temple. This encounter is significant because it highlights the rarity and profound impact of angelic appearances. Gabriel delivers a message from God, announcing the birth of John the Baptist, and commands Zacharias to name his son John, signifying divine authority over the naming process. This underscores the angel's role not just as a messenger but as a bearer of God's authoritative word.

We then turn to the annunciation to Mary, where Gabriel again appears, this time to announce the birth of Jesus. Mary's response, "Let it be to me according to your word," reflects her submission to God's will, a pivotal moment in redemptive history. This encounter also sparks theological debates about Mary's role, with some viewing her as a co-redemptrix, while others see her as a humble servant acquiescing to God's plan.

Finally, we examine a mysterious encounter in the book of Joshua, where a figure identified as the commander of the Lord's army appears. Joshua's act of worship and the absence of rebuke suggest this may be a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ, emphasizing the divine authority and leadership in the conquest of Canaan.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Authority in Naming: The angel Gabriel's command to name Zacharias' son John illustrates the divine authority in the naming process, signifying God's sovereignty over human affairs. This act of naming is not just a cultural tradition but a divine mandate, reflecting God's purpose and plan for the individual. [08:58]

2. Mary's Submission to God's Will: Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement is a profound example of submission to God's will. Her acceptance, "Let it be to me according to your word," highlights the importance of yielding to divine authority, even when faced with the unknown. This act of faith and obedience is a model for believers in trusting God's plan. [15:36]

3. Angelic Messengers and Divine Authority: Angels in the Bible are not mere messengers but carry the authority of God. Gabriel's interactions with Zacharias and Mary demonstrate that angels deliver God's commands and have the authority to enact His will, emphasizing the seriousness and weight of their messages. [08:12]

4. The Role of Angels in Redemptive History: Angels play a crucial role in redemptive history, acting as divine emissaries who announce and facilitate God's plan. Their appearances, though rare, are pivotal moments that shape the course of biblical events, underscoring their importance in God's overarching narrative. [04:50]

5. Christophany and Divine Leadership: The encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army suggests a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ, highlighting divine leadership in the conquest of Canaan. This event underscores the theme of divine intervention and guidance in critical moments of biblical history. [22:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Introduction to Angelic Missions
- [01:20] - Zacharias' Encounter with Gabriel
- [02:29] - The Significance of the Temple Service
- [03:37] - The People's Anticipation
- [04:11] - The Rarity of Angelic Appearances
- [06:11] - Gabriel's Message to Zacharias
- [07:46] - The Authority of Gabriel
- [08:58] - The Naming of John
- [10:18] - Zacharias' Unbelief and Muteness
- [11:58] - The People's Reaction
- [12:22] - Gabriel's Annunciation to Mary
- [14:20] - Mary's Response and Theological Implications
- [17:09] - The Eve/Mary Parallel
- [19:26] - Joshua's Encounter with the Commander
- [22:08] - The Worship of the Commander

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Role of Angels in Redemptive History

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:5-38
2. Joshua 5:13-15

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Zacharias' initial reaction when he encountered the angel Gabriel in the temple, and why was this significant? [04:11]

2. How did Gabriel's message to Zacharias demonstrate divine authority, particularly in the naming of John? [08:58]

3. What was Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement, and how does it reflect her attitude towards God's will? [15:36]

4. In the encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army, what was Joshua's reaction, and what does this suggest about the identity of the commander? [22:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the command to name Zacharias' son John illustrate the concept of divine authority over human traditions and decisions? [08:58]

2. What does Mary's response to Gabriel's message reveal about her faith and understanding of her role in God's plan? How does this compare to the theological debates surrounding her role in redemptive history? [16:07]

3. In what ways do the appearances of angels in these biblical narratives emphasize their role as more than just messengers? How do they carry the authority of God? [08:12]

4. How does the encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army highlight the theme of divine leadership and intervention in critical moments of biblical history? [22:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was directing you to make a specific decision. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Zacharias' experience with Gabriel? [08:58]

2. Mary's submission to God's will is a powerful example of faith. Is there an area in your life where you struggle to submit to God's plan? How can you take a step towards trusting Him more fully this week? [15:36]

3. Angels in the Bible are depicted as carrying God's authority. How can you be more attentive to the ways God might be speaking to you through His Word or through others in your life? [08:12]

4. The encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army suggests a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ. How does recognizing Christ's presence in your life change the way you approach challenges or decisions? [22:08]

5. Consider the role of divine authority in your life. Are there areas where you need to relinquish control and allow God to lead? What practical steps can you take to do this?

6. How can you cultivate a heart of obedience and faith like Mary, especially when faced with uncertainty or fear? What specific actions can you take to strengthen your trust in God's promises? [15:36]

7. Reflect on the significance of naming in your own life. How does understanding God's authority in naming John challenge or affirm your understanding of identity and purpose? [08:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Authority in Naming
The angel Gabriel's command to name Zacharias' son John illustrates the divine authority in the naming process, signifying God's sovereignty over human affairs. This act of naming is not just a cultural tradition but a divine mandate, reflecting God's purpose and plan for the individual. Gabriel's message to Zacharias was not merely a suggestion but a declaration of God's will, emphasizing the weight and seriousness of angelic messages. The naming of John was a pivotal moment, as it set the stage for the role John the Baptist would play in preparing the way for Jesus. This divine intervention in the naming process underscores the belief that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, guiding and directing us according to His purpose. [08:58]

Isaiah 49:1 (ESV): "Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name."

Reflection: Consider the significance of your own name and identity. How might God be calling you to live out His purpose in your life today?


Day 2: Mary's Submission to God's Will
Mary's response to Gabriel's announcement is a profound example of submission to God's will. Her acceptance, "Let it be to me according to your word," highlights the importance of yielding to divine authority, even when faced with the unknown. This act of faith and obedience is a model for believers in trusting God's plan. Mary's willingness to embrace God's will, despite the potential challenges and uncertainties, serves as an inspiration for us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. Her story encourages us to respond with faith and obedience when God calls us to step into the unknown, trusting that His plans are for our ultimate good. [15:36]

Luke 1:38 (ESV): "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 3: Angelic Messengers and Divine Authority
Angels in the Bible are not mere messengers but carry the authority of God. Gabriel's interactions with Zacharias and Mary demonstrate that angels deliver God's commands and have the authority to enact His will, emphasizing the seriousness and weight of their messages. The presence of angels in these biblical narratives highlights the reality of the spiritual realm and God's active involvement in human history. Their messages are not to be taken lightly, as they convey God's divine will and purpose. This understanding calls us to be attentive to God's voice and to recognize the authority of His messengers in our lives. [08:12]

Hebrews 1:14 (ESV): "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was trying to communicate something important to you. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience about being attentive to His messages today?


Day 4: The Role of Angels in Redemptive History
Angels play a crucial role in redemptive history, acting as divine emissaries who announce and facilitate God's plan. Their appearances, though rare, are pivotal moments that shape the course of biblical events, underscoring their importance in God's overarching narrative. From announcing the births of John the Baptist and Jesus to guiding and protecting God's people, angels are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Their involvement in these key moments reminds us of the unseen spiritual forces at work in our lives and the assurance that God is actively working to bring about His purposes. [04:50]

Daniel 10:12-13 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia.'"

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the spiritual realities around you and the ways God might be working through unseen forces in your life?


Day 5: Christophany and Divine Leadership
The encounter between Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army suggests a pre-incarnation appearance of Christ, highlighting divine leadership in the conquest of Canaan. This event underscores the theme of divine intervention and guidance in critical moments of biblical history. Joshua's act of worship and the absence of rebuke suggest the divine nature of the commander, pointing to the presence of Christ leading His people. This encounter serves as a reminder of God's sovereign leadership and His commitment to guiding His people through challenges and uncertainties. It calls us to recognize and submit to His leadership in our own lives, trusting in His wisdom and direction. [22:08]

Joshua 5:13-15 (ESV): "When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And he said, 'No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, 'What does my lord say to his servant?' And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge and submit to God's leadership? How can you actively seek His guidance and direction in those areas today?

Quotes

"Now, you understand what's going on here: that at this time in history Zacharias was a Levite -- a levitical priest -- and the Jews had a central sanctuary at the temple in Jerusalem; and so it was the lot of local priests from the various districts out in the nation, by lottery, to be selected to have one turn, if they were fortunate enough, in their lifetime at serving in the temple of Jerusalem." [00:02:00]

"And so the first break, as it were, that happened to Zacharias, was that he hit the jackpot. He won the lottery, and for him it would be an unforgettable experience to go up to Jerusalem and to participate in the ministry of the temple -- in this case, going in and offering prayer at the altar of incense in the sanctuary, in the holy place." [00:02:34]

"Suddenly there appears to him an angel, and notice the response that the Scripture records that he has. It said, 'When Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.' Now that's noteworthy for this reason: we've said that the biblical worldview is unintelligible apart from the biblical teaching of the reality of the angelic world." [00:04:20]

"But in our culture and in our times, there is a sense of skepticism about these things because people say the perception of angels is not part of our common experience. And we look back to the Bible, and we sort of telescope these events in the Bible and assume that angels were appearing every 15 minutes all over the Old Testament, and New Testament world." [00:04:57]

"That's not the case; though angels did appear from time to time, the visible manifestation of one of these spirit beings was extraordinarily rare, as we saw in the last lecture, that normally they were invisible, as was the case with Elisha and his servant, where he had to pray that his servant's eyes would be opened in order for him to see the reality was there, but which reality is normally invisible." [00:05:20]

"And when we see that this priest is devastated by fear when the angel appears, that should alert us to the rarity of that kind of experience even then. And so -- in other words -- Zacharias was not accustomed to meeting and speaking with angels every day." [00:06:04]

"And the angel answered and said to him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I 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.'" [00:06:53]

"And notice that the function that the Gabriel has in this setting is, first of all, to be a messenger. He delivers a message. He makes an announcement. He tells Zacharias what is going to come to pass. But not only does he bring a message, but also he speaks the command of God." [00:07:55]

"And the significance of that is that in the Jewish tradition, whoever names someone or something indicates their authority over that thing or over that person. Remember the first task that God gave to human beings in the garden of Eden was to name the animals, showing the dominion of humans over the animal kingdom." [00:09:02]

"And historically, throughout biblical history, when children are born, it is the parents of the child who have the authority to name the child. But on rare circumstances, that authority is withheld from the parent, where God intervenes into the situation, inasmuch as saying, 'This child will serve me in a special way, and so I am reserving for myself the right to give his name.'" [00:09:39]

"Now, of course this is a wonderful story of what happens because Zacharias is dazed by unbelief. He doesn't know what to do, and because of that the angel says, 'And you will be mute until this is fulfilled.' And remember the story that after his wife bears the infant, and the children all come to the -- I mean the family all come together to name this child, and they're obviously talking about different names; and in sign language, Zacharias motions for a tablet of sorts, and he writes on the tablet, 'His name shall be called John.'" [00:10:29]

"And so again, what I want us to see here is not so much about Zacharias, but to see that the angel is a messenger, yes, but more than a messenger. He is a spokesman carrying nothing less than the authority of God, and this isn't the only place in Scripture where we see angels acting in this manner." [00:11:21]

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Transcript
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