Gabriel’s Confidence

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.” Luke 1:19 NKJV

One of the most fundamental questions we ask ourselves at some point in our lives is, “Who am I?” Innately, we long to know our identity and discovering it aligns us with our God-given destiny.

Gabriel, the ‘messenger’ archangel, comes to deliver God’s messages in scripture. We almost always reflect on the message rather than the messenger, and rightly so. For what God says should always eclipse the ones who say it—to God be the glory!

But there is something rich here. Without hesitation, Gabriel confidently proclaims who he is, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.” Primarily, Gabriel ties who he is (or his identity) to being in God’s presence. Secondarily, he speaks of his purpose or mission.

What if we, too, understood that our identity comes from being in God’s presence? May I suggest that the very core of who we are is only realized by spending time in His presence. When we spend time with The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, we find our identity and the very best version of ourselves.

So, stand.

—Paul