~ The Bible contains many accounts of angels ~ appearing / visiting, and bringing God's comfort, guidance and protection:
- Eden ~ cherabim prevent the return of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3.
- Hagar ~ instructed by an angel when in distress. Genesis 16, 21 8-21.
- Mary ~ was visited by the angel Gabriel to tell her of Jesus birth. Luke 1.
- Joseph ~ guided & encouraged by angels when he discovered Mary's pregnancy, later warned in a dream to escape Herod. Matthew 1-2.
- Shepherds ~ saw 'the heavenly host' when Jesus was born. Luke 2 1-15.
- Jesus ~ ministered to by angels during his 40days in the wilderness, after crucifixion an angel rolled the stone from his tomb. Matthew 4, 28 1-10.
- Peter ~ released from prison by an angel. Acts 12...
Angels have various functions ~ worship, defence, protection, comfort, warning/guidance, destruction..
The Bible teaches us to welcome the presence of angels ~ they may come in guise as strangers (Hebrew 13:2). We may see and speak to them, or hear their voice from heaven, they may guide / accompany us (Exodus 14:19), appear to us in a dream/vision (Zechariah). They may oppose us, be seen by animals (Numbers 22 21-41), and appear in wind or fire (Exodus 3:2). Their message may be personal or corporate (Revelation).
They are 'ministering spirits' sent to care and help in battle (Matthew 18:10, Hebrews 1, Daniel). They are to worship God, serve him and ultimately will seperate the wicked from the righteous (Matthew 13:49). They will be judged by us (1Corinthians 6:3, Jude 1:6). They are not to be worshipped themselves or to lead astray (Colossians 2:18). (Lucifer/Satan is a fallen angel Luke 10 1-24)
Caution:
We must be careful to discern from whom they come (2Corinthians 11 14-15, Galatians 1:8)
Read the accounts above:
*read also Genesis 19 1-29 ~ the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah, Judges 13 ~ Samson's birth, 1Kings 19 ~ Elijah fed by angels, Daniel 6:22 ~ saved from lions.. Gideon, Job.
further reading bk: Hope MacDonald ~ When Angels Appear ~ present day accounts of strangers who have helped |
