ANGELS

 

ANGELS

Have you wondered what God named his other angels?

We know of Michael and Gabriel.

They were sent to earth as special messengers.

All angels, though, have a special purpose for

they were created to do God’s work -

certainly, a God-honoring output.

In the Bible, angels often appeared in visions.

We read an angel spoke to Joseph in his dreams.

Joseph must have been in a listening “yes, Lord” frame of mind

for he obeyed the angelic directive time-after-time.

Joseph's obedience changed the course of history

as the Christmas story is God's Son's birth story.

This angel, a messenger direct from God, and loyal,

came to Joseph when he was in mental turmoil

giving godly instructions for righteous Joseph to follow,

after Joseph had thought of a human response allowed.

A timely angel with greetings who

would change society anew.

The angel, Gabriel, appeared in person to both Zechariah and Mary

with a message that seemed quite an impossibility.

Both were gripped with fear

when Gabriel appeared.

Zechariah responded with disbelief,

while Mary's response was one of believing faith.

Perhaps one of Gabriel's roles

is to bring peace to God's people

for “do not be afraid” were words

that these surprised believers heard.

Many angels brought a message of peace

for they brought with them a new lease.

One night an angel, surrounded by the glory of the Lord,

came down from heaven with good news of great joy for the shepherds.

As with Joseph, Mary, and Zechariah, who were dismayed,

this angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid.”

One role of angels must be to encourage people

for as a human race we are fearful people.

This angel could rightly be called a good news angel,

though the Bible also speaks of avenging angels.

Heavenly hosts are another name for angels.

They visited earth then went back to heaven to dwell.

These angels were praising God

with voices giving glory to God.

This occupation was not new to them

for that is the angels role in heaven.

These angels praise God day and night,

perhaps surrounded by a bright light,

for God is light and in Him is no darkness.

The fallen angel, satan, distributes wickedness.

After Jesus' temptation in the wilderness,

ministering angels came to encourage Jesus,

strengthening him, perhaps with sustenance,

for Jesus had been without nourishment

for 40 days and nights

being tempted by Satan's fight.

God sends guardian angels to watch over us.

Though often unaware of, they protect us.

Doing God's bidding they come

just when we most need them.

God sometimes uses ordinary people for this purpose, too.

I'm sure you can think of an “angel” who was there for you.

* * * * *

Today there are still "angels" in our midst.

Some will greet you with a hug and a kiss.

Perhaps they are named Gloria or Marco.

Others might be Angela or Antonio.

How can we be an "angel" to another?

Certainly we can encourage one another.

Right now, today, take the time

to send a note, make a call, be kind.

Encouragement will be recalled

time-after-time when life's lulls

on days that are weary

leave one downhearted and teary.

An angel of the Lord

appeared to him in a dream and said,

"Joseph son of David,

do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,

because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 1:20

An angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream.

Matthew 2:13

An angel of the Lord

appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.

Matthew 2:19

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel.

I stand in the presence of God,

and I have been sent to speak to you

and to tell you this good news.”

Luke 1:19

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,

to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,

a descendant of David.

The virgin's name was Mary.

Luke 1:26-27

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.”

Luke 2:9-10

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men.”

Luke 2:13

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven...

Luke 2:15

He will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:11

Angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4:11

Are not all angels ministering spirits

sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14

Do not forget to entertain strangers,

for by so doing some people have entertained angels

without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

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