Angels Aware!

Last night I began a brief study for our Wednesday evening Bible study group that deals with the role and ministry of angels as depicted in the birth narratives preserved for us in The Scriptures. This is a HUGE subject on my mind for this Thursday, December 4, 2008. Let me start out by saying there’s absolutely no direction or requirement found in God’s Word regarding a celebration of the birth of our Savior. Having said this, the fact that it has come into being can be used as a springboard for sharing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth regarding the Person who was virgin born and placed initially in that feeding trough or manger. This means that if we are to share truth then we must know the truth and the final word on truth is back to the Bible and it is there we find the details God desired for us to know about the life and times of Jesus Christ, The Jewish Messiah, and Savior of the world.

The subject of angels is one that fascinates and tantalizes many today. Images, stories, and traditions present these unique beings in all kinds of ways. However, if we are to be true to the truth, we have no choice but to present them according to God’s revealed word concerning them. One thing you might not know is that it turns out to be a major subject within the pages of holy writ where they are referred to in over 300 verses. While we see their imagined images all over the place, in cards, on television, and in movies, rarely, if ever, do we hear a full treatment of what God has to say about these created beings, both the holy angels and those who joined in Satan’s rebellion. While I can’t delve into a full discourse on the subject in this blog I would invite any and all who are interested to go to The Book and check out the many accounts where God uses these special messenger agents to accomplish His plans and purposes.

As taught in both the Old and New Testaments, angels are a very clear and present part of how God’s work unfolds here on this planet. The Apostle Paul was given inspired insight into the relationship of The Christ to all creation. In his letter written to the Colossians we find The Son described with these words: “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.” (Chapter 1, verse 16) This tells us that Emmanuel or God with us is none other than the Creator God and angels are a part of His creative will as He brought them into being. No wonder Gabriel who resides in the very presence of God was sent first to Zechariah to inform him that he and his elderly wife would give birth to the forerunner of The Christ, who would be named John, and later called The Baptist. No wonder Gabriel appeared to a young virgin named Mary and informed her that she had been chosen to give birth to the long awaited Messiah. No wonder an angel along with a stupefying host of angelic beings informed the shepherds concerning the birth of the Savior. And, it goes on and on, and on. It’s an amazing account of how God provided for His human family and that includes you and I today. Angels are at work even as I write this blog in accomplishing God’s purpose and plan. We may not see them but they are busy doing God’s will. There’s so much more to the story but you need to go and read about it for yourself. It’s easily found in what is reported to be the best seller of all time, The Holy Bible! I encourage you to do just that and see what blessings God will bestow as a result of time well spent. Amen. ….More later.