So…what do you think about angels? After talking about demons, I thought we should talk about the good guys, the ones that are on our side. Most of us like the idea of angels and see them sprinkled throughout the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation, but how much do we really know about them from Biblical texts? We really need to know because they are one of the amazing helps God gives us in our lives as believers…and, lets face it, some days we need all the help we can get.
Our launching point will be from the Book of Hebrews. “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Heb.1:14)? That verse should encourage you immediately. Angels are awesome, there are myriads of them, and they are sent forth by the Father to minister to you if you are in Christ.
So lets take an overview of angels and see how that view might effect your life and your prayers? First of all, we need to affirm that angels are created beings. Speaking of Jesus, Paul says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him” (Col.1:15-16). Jesus was instrumental in creating not only the visible or natural realm but also the invisible or spiritual realm and the powers within those realms.
In another place, Ezekiel prophesies to the King of Tyre and makes an analogy between the king and Satan. In essence he talks about the glory that Satan had as an angel in the courts of God until his pride caused him to rebel and he was cast down to earth. He is warning the King of Tyre that he also is about to lose his glory because of his pride. Ezekiel says, “ You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you” (Ezek.28:14-15).
Don’t think of cherubs as little, pudgy infant- like creatures. These are a class of angels that are essentially the palace guard. They stand in the presence of God and guard the way to him. They are awe inspiring and powerful. Satan was one of these amazing angels but notice he was “created.” Angels then are created beings. They are not a race that marries and reproduces, but have been created as spiritual and eternal beings.
They were not, however, made in the image of God as we are. They were made before man but, it seems, they were made on behalf of man. In the Book of Job we are told that angels witnessed the creation of the earth and so preceded man. “On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:6-7)?
Angels, like man, were created with free will and the capacity to rebel against God. Satan and, perhaps, one third of the angels in heaven did so and were cast down to earth. Angels are soldiers and servants and do the bidding of God. “Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will” (Ps.103:20-21). His angels always work to fulfill his purposes and also work that you might fulfill his purposes in your life as well.
Sometimes angels work on our behalf and sometimes they work with us in fulfilling God’s purposes. John encounters an angel in his vision that we call the Book of Revelation. Forgetting himself he responded to the angel as if he were worthy of worship. “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God” (Rev. 19:10)! It is clear that angels can be overwhelming in their appearance but they are not to be worshipped under any circumstance.
In this text he calls himself a fellow servant with John and the church. In one sense, we are working in the natural realm to effect things in the spiritual realm while angels are working in the spiritual real to effect things in the natural. When we pray according to God’s will and are working to achieve it, we can be sure that we are not laboring alone. God said that he will never leave us and never forsake us. His Spirit is always with us and his powerful angels will often be with us as well. So, when anxiety, fear, and doubt begin to creep in, take heart, the mighty power of heaven is working on your behalf!
In my next blog or two we will explore what angels do, what they look like, if there are guardian angels, and so forth…all for your encouragement. Be blessed.
