Published on 07/1/2008

Yesterday we considered how angels help us and how angels protect us. But, from Biblical accounts, angels have even greater roles.

Angels guide us: An angel directed Hagar back to Sarah (Genesis 16:9, 11), and Abraham with the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:11-12). Abraham's servant found Rebekah through angelic direction (Genesis 24:7, 27), as Jacob returned to his native country by angelic guidance (Genesis 31:11, 13). An angel led Moses to deliver the Hebrews (Acts 7:35), and led the nation through him (Exodus 32:34). An angel gave the Law to Moses and his people (Acts 7:38; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2).

An angel guided the prophet Balaam through his donkey (Numbers 22:23-35). An angel brought Gideon to national leadership (Judges 6:11, 21-22); an angel promised a son to Manoah and his wife, and consecrated Samson to God's use (Judges 13:3-21). An angel led Joseph to marry Mary (Matthew 1:20, 24) and Philip to an Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-27).

An angel spoke through the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 1:9), to the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-13), and to the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-37). Angels revealed the resurrection (Matthew 28:2, 6; Luke 24:23; John 20:12-13). An angel sent the apostles to preach the risen Christ (Acts 5:20), spoke to Cornelius (Acs 10:3-8) and Paul (Acts 27:23-25), and to John on Patmos (Revelation 1:1-2; 22:16). One day angels will address the entire world (Rev 14:6-11).

Angels bring judgment and reward: Angels mediate God's judgment and punishment, as when they judged Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:13, 24); Egypt (Psalm 78:49); Israel when she criticized Moses (1 Corinthians 10:10-11); Israel in Canaan (Judges 2:1-5); the people of Meroz (Judges 5:23); and David's people for his sin (2 Samuel 24:15-17; 1 Chronicles 21:12-30). Angels will bring judgment at the end of history (Matthew 13:39-50; 16:27; 24:31; 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Mark 8:38; Luke 12:8-9; Revelation 5:2; ch. 8; 9:11-16; chs. 10, 16, 17; 20:1-3).

Angels also reveal God's plan to prosper and bless his people in paradise: an angel showed John the "river of the water of life" (Revelation 22:1) and said to him, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place" (v. 6).

God's angels are stronger than we are. They are also stronger than our demonic enemies (Revelation 12:7-9). If you are on God's side, they are on your side. As they helped Jesus (Luke 22:43), so they wait to help his people. Even now you are surrounded by an angelic guard you cannot see with human eyes (2 Kings 6:8-23). However, believing is seeing.

Tomorrow: “Who is Satan?”