Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Matthew 18:10-11 "Angels Here?"

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." NIV
I've never done much of a study on angels. And frankly, when I've spoken of guardian angels, I've said it rather flippantly. "Well, your guardian angel was working overtime." I don't even remember writing "guardian angels" alongside this passage in my Bible, but I did. Maybe my attitude has been hesitant on this subject because I have seen so many people put store in angels that it almost seemed like they were worshipping the angels instead of God. But obviously, since Jesus brings them up, there is merit in seeing what they are about. So what does God's Word say about angels?

Strong's definition of an angel is "a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God." In the KJV, "angel" or "messenger" is used 186 times. There are dozens examples in the Old Testament of an "angel of the Lord" being sent with a message. An angel spoke to Hagar about Ishmael; an angel speaks to Jacob in a dream; an angel appeared in front of Balaam's donkey. In each case an angel is sent as a messenger or as a guard.

In the New Testament, the angelic occurrences are mostly in Revelation, however, an angel appeared to Mary; one to Zacharias; an angel ministered to Jesus in the desert; and there are several occasions where angels helped out in Acts.

So since the angels have been active since the beginning of the earth, why wouldn't they still be active and relevant in our lives today? There is no Scripture that says we each have our own specific angels watching over us. Therefore, the term "guardian angel" is a misnomer. Any of the angels can be sent to us by the Lord at any time to bring a message or guard over us. What a privilege and a comfort to know we are being ministered to by angels of the Lord.

Further Thoughts:
  1. Did you have preconceived notions about angels? Does your idea line up biblically?
  2. Read Billy Grahams book Angels for interesting stories on their activity in our lives.

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