Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels'
Hebrews 13: 2 NKJV
My mother would sometimes tell me the story of that day. Of how, on a busy afternoon she faced the dangerous prospect of attempting to cross the street near our home. For most this would only be an issue of patience, but with my mothers limited mobility, it was suddenly a safety concern. As she waited for a break in the rush hour traffic, a man suddenly appeared and motioned for my mother to cross. Grateful for the gesture, she made her way across the street. However, as she turned to thank the man, he was nowhere to be seen. When she first told me of her experience, my mom was convinced in her heart that she had been visited by a angel that day. I tend to agree. For we, as believers, are never to know exactly when we will be visited by these heavenly hosts. Of course, not every situation we face is a result of the interaction of angels, yet I am convinced that Gods children do in fact interact with them. When I refer to Gods children I am referring to believers and non believers alike. For I am of the mind that the Spirit of the Lord dwells not only in believers but also in those who have spurned the Lord for whatever reason. Those who do not believe simply have not recognized themselves for who they truly are. So, what situations have you faced where you may have been visited by angels? World War Two P-51 pilot Don Gentile once attributed angels to saving his life over enemy held Europe. Lost in a deadly dogfight, Gentile was certain he would need to bail out as a German fighter closed in behind him. Suddenly, he heard over his radio the command "Break Right!" Nobody's fool, Gentile did as he was told just in time to see the German fighter spiral into the ground in flames. As Col. Gentile scanned the skies for his rescuer...he saw nothing. Angels among us? Only the Lord knows for certain. However, scripture assures us that our interactions with angels is not merely coincidence. We're told that God has commanded His angels for our protection {Psalm 91:11}. That they minister to those in need {Hebrews 1:14}. What of those unbelievers who do not recognize the Spirit of the Lord in them? Well, we're told that there is "Joy before the angels of God" when a unbeliever repents {Luke 15:10}. There is no doubt, therefore, that there are indeed angels among us.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Colossians 1: 16 NKJV
Whether we share in the belief that we have or will have interactions with angels, we must agree on just one thing. When we speak of angels we are speaking of another of Gods creations. That's right, as we were created in Gods own image, the angels were created by Him as well. That we cannot deny. Where we might disagree on the subject of angels is what their ultimate purpose is. That should be a no brainer in my opinion. The apostle Paul reminds us that the angels were created "For Him" {Colossians 1:16}. That would be Christ Jesus. I believe that the ultimate purpose of the angels is to achieve the will of the Father. If that is to be done through interaction with His creation then so be it. We're told throughout scripture that angels have been tasked to warn, inform and speak to Gods children. It is a angel who foretold to Mary that she would have a son. It was a angel who warned Joseph to flee his home when the authorities were seeking to kill newborn children. Our interactions with these created beings has been well documented. It is not my belief that each and every situation we face is a angel working in our life. But I do believe that each and every situation we face is the opportunity for the angels to interact once again with Gods children.
Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.
Revelation 22: 6 NKJV
~Scott~
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