HAVE YOU EVER SEEN AN ANGEL

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL)

Have you ever seen an angel ? Have you ever entertained an "angel unaware" ? We usually cannot see them, but God promises, "He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11). God also promises: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and He delivers them" (Psalm 34:7).

One need only surf the internet to read of many incidents, in which individuals have claimed to have seen or been around an angel.

Have you ever observed someone standing by the road side, displaying a sign reading something to the effect, "will work for food", or "out of work please help"? Did you pass on by or did you stop to help ? So, have you ever entertained an angel unaware ? (Hebrews 13:2 )

The word "angel" actually comes from the Greek word aggeloa, meaning " messenger". The matching Hebrew word mal'ak has the same meaning.

Angels are very interesting beings, created only by God, ( Colossians 1:16) even before the creation of the earth. ( Job 38:6-7 ) The scripture tells us they are innumerable, and cannot be counted. ( Hebrews 12:22 ) and have great power ( 2 Peter 2:11 ) However, they cannot reproduce, after their kind. ( Mark 12:25)

Angels even have a distinct personality, such as having an intellect ( 1 Peter 1:12), having certain emotions, ( Luke 2:13 ) and having a will ( Jude 6)

What do angels look like ? Unlike humans, angels have a spiritual body and really don't need to be visible. ( Colossians 1:16) Although, there are many incidents in the scriptures where angels took on a human body. Elisha once prayed that his servant would see the armies of angels surrounding the city. ( 2 Kings 6:17) Abraham was visited by three angels in Genesis 18. And when angels do appear, they usually appear as men.

Angels, often times appear to be a man with unusual features, as in (Daniel10:5-6 ) and (Matthew 28:3) and in ( Revelation 4:6-8 ).

One common misconception. Angels in the Bible never appear as cute, chubby infants, flying around with wings holding a harp.! They are always full-grown adults. However, some scripture passages do picture angels with wings. ( Isaiah 6:2,6 ) ( Daniel 9:21) Nonetheless, angels can move around without having to depend on wings.

With this brief introduction into the demographics of God's angels, let us see how these created heavenly creatures may help us as believers.

I'm sure you have heard many stories of how individuals have been saved, from any number of pending disasters, by way of a guardian angel. Can these stories be true or just a figment of one's imagination. I think true. You see, the scriptures give many positive examples of guardian angels. ( Hebrews 1:14) ( Matthew 18:10 ) ( Acts 27: 23-24)

To believers, angels are involved in answering prayer. ( Acts 12:7) They also observe our experiences, ( 1 Cor 4:9 ) ( 1 Timothy 5:21) as they are very interested in our Christian evangelistic efforts. (Luke15:10 ) (Acts 8:26)

One of the most important tasks, given to the angels by God, is to care for the Christians at the time of death. ( Luke 16:22 ) (Jude 9)

You may ask why all the post given to angels, as they do not have a play in God's redemption of mankind ? Well, they had everything to do with ministering to Christ. You see they predicted the birth of Christ. ( Luke 1:26-33 ) They announced the birth of Christ. ( Luke 2:13 )

They protected the baby Jesus. ( Matthew 2:13) They ministered to Christ after His wilderness temptations by Satan. ( Matthew 4:11 ) God sent them to encouraged Christ in the garden, just before His death. ( Luke 22:43) And even rolled away Christ's grave stone and announced His resurrection. ( Matthew 28:2-6 )

Angels will even be involved, in the last days prophecy.( Daniel 10:21 ) ( Revelation 8,9,16)

And sad to say, angels have and will announce and administer certain judgments to the unbelievers. ( Genesis 19:13 ) ( Revelation 14:6-7 ) by inflicting certain punishments. ( Acts 12:23 ) ( Matthew 13:39 )

However, even the angels rejoice over just one sinner who comes to repentance. ( Luke 15:10) So, have you ever taken God's free grace by faith and repented of you sin. ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) If so, your decision caused joy in heaven.

I must caution you, however, with respect to the worshipping of angels. ( Revelation 9:10 ) ( Revelation 22:8-9 )Though impressive looking beings, angels should not be worshipped.

The worship of angels was condemned by the Apostle Paul. ( Colossians 2:18 ) Worshiping of angels could possible lead to a teaching of a false humility, by claiming special mystic insights by way of visions or dreams. This may lead to an egoistic of fleshly mind-set.

Yes, God created the angels for a specific purpose, as their existence is taught in 34 books of the Bible and their name mentioned 275 times. And Angels are mentioned at least 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament.

Now, next time you come across that less-than-nice appearing gentlemen holding up that crude sign, what are you going to do ? ( Luke 10: 25-37 )