And the LORD spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.
Zechariah 1:13 NLT
___
Ever wonder about angels? Ever wonder if Hollywood got it right? Or, which time did they come closest to their depiction of angels? John Travolta in Michael? Christopher Lloyd in Angels in the Outfield? Henry Travers in It’s A Wonderful Life?
I’m secretly hoping they’re a little like Nicholas Cage in City of Angels.
In Zechariah, the second to last book of the Old Testament, we get to see an extremely honest moment between one angel and God. Zechariah is given messages from God in the form of eight visions. In one of the visions, an angel expresses frustration and pain to God and God consoles him with words that are only for him. It was only a two-verse exchange but it kept my mind reeling as I thought about the vulnerability it models.
“Upon hearing this, the angel of the LORD prayed this prayer: ‘O LORD Almighty, for seventy years now you have been angry with Jerusalem and the towns of Judah. How long will it be until you again show mercy to them?’ And the LORD spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me.” (Zechariah 1:12-13 NLT)
Okay, so this is what I noticed right away: The angel heard something that upset him and he prayed to God about it. The angel hears something that upsets him and, instead of going around to all of his angel buddies to stew about it, he goes immediately to the LORD in prayer. (It’s so cool to know that even angels pray!) He doesn’t sugar-coat it. He tells God exactly how he’s feeling about what he heard and He asks God for HIS answer. And God responds with kind and comforting words. God didn’t scold the angel. God doesn’t take offense at the angel questioning his plans. He offers the angel kindness and comfort. He soothes the angel’s fears and frustration.
If you were to flip open to Zechariah yourself sometime in the next couple days, you would see that this tiny, seemingly insignificant exchange is the spark to a much bigger message. Just a moment of private, honest conversation with God changes the entire second half of the chapter. God rewards this honest angel with a chance to share a message of hope, power, and triumph for thousands of years beyond that moment.
What awesome boldness will your honest conversations with God spark? I don’t know but I’m going find out for myself this week, starting today, by taking the time to talk with God the way angels do. Honestly.
___
Dear Lord, It amazes me beyond words to think that you offer me the same privilege as angels – that I can come to you in honesty and brokenness. You comforted the angel in Zechariah’s day and you will give me nothing less in mine. I’m sorry for all the times I’ve struggled through my sadness, frustration or confusion alone when you are right there wanting to offer comfort and kindness. I will talk to you instead. Amen.
Sometimes it is difficult for me to realize that conversation with God is a two-way street. At this juncture of my life I have learned to sense when God is guiding or encouraging me, but I have been slow to ask God a question. The angel was very bold to question God’s plan, yes. Thank you for pointing this conversation out. We have a God, not a ogre. God is both mighty and kind. I always enjoy your posts. You are inspired. Wendy S.
I totally laughed to myself when I read your “We have a God, not a ogre” sentence – I’m so guilty of thinking of God in “Ogre terms.” Thanks for saying that. I need to be bold like this angel, too. Hugs to you, Wendy! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts!!
Action requires knoedelgw, and now I can act!
Can’t wait to hear more about how your actions went – thanks for visiting and commenting! Praying God guides your feet, heart, and hands today and always.
That’s a creative answer to a difficult question
I would like to show my passion for your kindness for persons who really want help with this area of interest. Your very own commitment to getting the solution across had become incredibly advantageous and have specifically encouraged guys and women like me to attain their dreams. Your new warm and friendly guidelines implies this much to me and further more to my fellow workers. Thanks a ton; from each one of us.