ESOCS Devotional 15 January 2026 -Divine Messenger
MEMORY VERSE: “The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.’” Luke 1:19 NIV
TEXT: LUKE 1:5-25
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.
8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, [a]his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 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. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
18 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.”
19 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. 20 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.”
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
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Throughout the Bible, God has consistently sent messengers to communicate His will, give direction, or bring good news. Gabriel says, “I stand in the presence of God,” emphasizing that he does not come on his own authority but with the full backing of heaven. Hebrews 1:14 tells us, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” God may not always send angels today, but He still sends messengers through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through people. Pastors, prophets, fellow believers, and even unexpected encounters can become divine appointments if we are attentive.
Gabriel came to deliver “good news”, a term that echoes the gospel itself. His announcement to Zechariah was not only personal but deeply tied to God’s redemptive plan. John the Baptist would prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 1:17), making this message one of eternal significance.
Likewise, God’s Word to us is not empty. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.” When God speaks, whether through Scripture or spiritual prompting, His message comes with purpose, power, and reliability.
Zechariah, though righteous and faithful, doubted the message. As a result, he was rendered mute until the promise was fulfilled (Luke 1:20). His reaction is a warning that we must not only hear God’s message but also believe and respond in faith.
James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” A divine message demands a faithful response. We must prepare our hearts to receive and act on what God reveals. Yours is here – receive your testimony now!
Reflections
- How is God trying to speak to you in this season?
- Have you ignored or doubted a divine message in the past?
- What steps can you take to become more receptive to God’s voice?
Prayer
- Lord, thank you for still speaking to us today. Help me to be attentive to your voice and responsive to your messengers. Whether through Scripture, others, or quiet moments in your presence, let me receive your word with faith. Make me not just a hearer, but a doer of your message. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 25:1-9; 26:1-13; 1 Timothy 1:12-End
ESOCS Devotional 15 January 2026
