Champions of God

Gabriel is one of the few angels in the Bible whose name we are told. In Hebrew, the name “Gabriel” means “God is my Strength,” or “Champion of God.” God trusts Gabriel with major assignments. In the Old Testament, Gabriel works with Daniel, interpreting dreams for him and outlining timelines for major events of God’s chosen people and Christ’s mission. In the New Testament, Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist, who was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. Gabriel also tells Mary that she will deliver and raise the Son of God. Clearly, Gabriel is an important angelic messenger who is a “Champion of Jesus.”

The Bible records one of the most remarkable timelines for mankind in Daniel, Chapter 9. While Daniel is praying for the Jewish people who will soon be released from captivity and return to Jerusalem, Gabriel appears out of thin air to put things in their proper perspective. In addition to being a major angel, Gabriel must also be a mathematician! He rattles off to Daniel a timetable broken out in sets of seven-year periods. In this chronology, he tells Daniel (and us) about the return to Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple, and Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday. History tells us that the Romans then destroyed the rebuilt Temple in 70 AD. God’s chosen were dispersed again and again. After the Holocaust during World War II, the nation of Israel was re-established and several million Jews now live in the Promised Land. In the twenty-first century, we find ourselves waiting to rebuild the Temple, once again. Gabriel reveals that who we now know to be the Anti-Christ will desecrate that future Temple. This will set the clock ticking for the imminent return of Christ!

Dear Lord, during this Easter season, encourage us to be “Champions of God”, just like Gabriel. May the Holy Spirit guide us as we pray for others, and tell others of Easter’s gift of eternal life. Father, we praise you that a new heaven and earth are in store for us. Set our hearts to meditate on the day that you will erase sin, sorrow, pain, addiction, injustice, illness, and war from our lives—no more death. Christ has overcome.  Jesus will rule in love, mercy, grace, peace, and true justice.  Come, Lord Jesus, come.