Angels - part 1
I love the topic of angels! This is probably because I have not only experienced them, but I have also come to realize what an important part they play in our lives as believers.
We see the influence of angels everywhere: on greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, works of art, clothing, wallpaper, and statues to name just a few. There are television series and motion pictures based on angels and books written in every language regarding these mystical beings. New Age and various other religions emphasize angels in their teachings in greater measure than ever before.
No matter where we see, hear, or read about them, the Holy Scriptures tell us that angels are real. The Bible clearly defines for us that there are good angels and evil angels. Lucifer was at one time an angel in heaven leading all worship. He is now known as Satan or the devil. His fallen angels we call demons. These evil angels have the ability to disguise themselves as good. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV) tells us, “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”
Yet we also know that God has promised in His Word to send His angels to protect us. Psalm 34:7 (NKJV) says, “The angel of the Lord encamps round about those who fear Him and delivers them.” Whether the angel of the Lord is God Himself or a special messenger we do not know for sure, but we do know He protects us by encamping around us. Encamping means that He occupies the area, encircles it as if a military troop were in the area protecting that location. The Bible gives examples of angelic hosts protecting and fighting for God’s people as in 2 Kings 6:17. We read in Scripture that one angel in 2 Kings 19:35 killed 185,000 Assyrians. Jude 9 tells us that the angels rely on the Lord to rebuke the devil.
Angels are not spirits of dead people or our ancestors. They are not something with which we should have a personal relationship, idolize, or worship. Relationship and worship are to be with God alone, not His angels. Some believe we each have a guardian angel, which may be true, but nevertheless, we are not to worship them. Matthew 18:10 (NKJV) reminds us, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” It is important to know that even angels refuse the worship of man.
As we conclude this first blog entry on the topic of angels, have you ever encountered an angel? Next week we will discuss examples from the Scriptures where angels appeared to various people. Blessings to each of you today!
Dr. Sharon Predovich
