ANGEL ALLIES
When you enter a fight, it’s important to know who is on your side. Who can you count on? Who has your back? A country must know who its allies are before entering a war. We must know who is on our side when we battle Satan and his demons.
The Greek word for ‘angel’ (‘angelos’) means “messenger.” Actually the word is just transliterated in our Bibles (English letters replace Greek letters but the word is the same). Were it translated into English we would have the word “messenger” every time ‘angel’ appears. That is basically their function — messengers (servants) of God. They are God’s servants who help God’s people (Hebrews 1:14). Individual angels seem assigned to children and believers (Acts 12:12) to help them in special ways. God could use His sovereign power to do things such as prevent an automobile accident or have a child fall safely and not be hurt, or similar actions, but usually He has His angels do that work. They protect God’s people (Psalm 34:7; 91:12; Matthew 18:10). They bring answers to prayers (Acts 12:7), although sometimes demons oppose them and the answers are delayed (Daniel 10:10-21). They minister to our physical, spiritual and emotional needs (Hebrews 1:14). Angels watch and learn from believers (1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:16). They encourage us in danger (Acts 27:23-24). They even help in evangelism (Luke 15:10; Acts 8:26). They care for God’s people when they die (Luke 16:22; Jude 9). They fight against demons (Revelation 12). They watch God’s children to learn about God’s grace (1 Peter 1:12).
The Bible identifies 4 different types of angels. Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2-3; Ezekiel 1:27) have a fiery appearance because they are usually associated with the Presence of God. Cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18-22; Hebrews 9:5) are represented with wings, feet, hands and often more than one face (Ezekiel 41:18; 10:21). They guard sacred things (the tree of life in Genesis 3:24; the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Samuel 4:4). Archangels are the highest created beings, angels of the greatest power and majesty. Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12) was an archangel. Michael (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9) and Gabriel (Daniel 8:15-26; 9:21-27; Luke 1:11-38). Michael and Gabriel are warrior angels (Revelation 12:7) who do battle (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1). Gabriel seems to be in charge of the care of the Jews. Other angels exist in various levels of authority and function under these (Ephesians 6:12). God has angels organized in a military-like manner with a chain-of-command from ‘generals’ to ‘privates.’
Angels are not to be communicated with, ordered around, or in any way contacted by us. They do not steal any of God’s glory. We aren’t in any way to focus on them or worship them (Revelation 19:10). All the credit and glory all go to Him (Revelation 4:11; 5:9-11). All the attention is His. In the Bible when someone tried to give them credit they passed it on to God. We aren’t to communicate with them, but we can ask God to send them to do various things that need doing. And yes, they do manifest at times. There are many cases in the Bible. Sometimes they manifest as spiritual beings. I think young children can see or sense them quite more readily than adults. They also manifest as people and help us without us knowing they are angels. Hebrews 13:2 talks about this. Angels are always present around us, especially when we gather with other believers in Jesus’ name. However we never can see them unless God opens our eyes in a special way (2 Kings 6:17). It’s quite likely you have seen angels, but in appearance as people (Hebrews 13:2) and therefore not recognized as an angel. That stranger who just happens to show up at the right time to provide help or assistance, whom we called an ‘angel,’ might well have been one!
Hebrews 13:23 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Do you know of any time angels assisted you in any way? When I survive a bad fall or a near car accident unhurt, I thank God for His angels who protected me. Do you recognize their help in your life?
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cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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