The Messengers

The Messengers

Luke 2:8-11 ⁽⁸⁾And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁽⁹⁾An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ⁽¹⁰⁾But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ⁽¹¹⁾Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is the Messiah, the Lord. (NIV)

            In 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed to be the first Post Master within what would later be named the United States (U.S.) of America (Celebrate Boston, 2016). To this day, people all across the nation receive letters, packages, and other items by the

U.S. Postal Services and well as other carriers from around the world. In today’s society, modern technology has even made it possible to submit electronic mail (Email) or messages without having to leave the comfort of one’s home. These messages can be sent in a matter of minutes whereas traditional mail could take days to arrive.

            Heaven has its own special mail delivery service as well. God is the Post Master and the messengers are His angels. They delivery special messages from God all around the world. They do not have to upload to an internet service or wait for the truck to come by to pick it up. They use their God-given swiftness to deliver news to His children faster than the speed of light. Psalm 104:4 He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. (NIV) All throughout the Bible there are stories telling of messages that angels delivered to God’s people.

            The book of Genesis tells the story of a disagreement between Sarah, Abraham’s wife and Hagar, her handmaiden. For many years, Abraham and Sarah could not have children; therefore, they took matters into their own hands and came to a mutual agreement to have Hagar carry a child for them that could continue Abraham’s bloodline. However, this did not work too well between the two women. Hagar became arrogant when she conceived and Sarah retaliated by mistreating her. Eventually, Hagar ran away from her mistress, but later returned after receiving a message from the Lord that was delivered by an angel. Genesis 16:9-11 ⁽⁹⁾Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” ⁽¹⁰⁾The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” ⁽¹¹⁾The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.” (NIV) The angel delivered the message from the Lord to Hagar and she did as she was told.

            Angels never go on their own accord, but are sent by God to do His bidding. They give directions and even take on human form at times to give a word from the Lord. Genesis 18:2-3 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor in  your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.” (NIV) Angels are ambassadors of God and therefore, where recognized by those in the Bible to speak on His behalf. They were often referred to as “Lord” because of their direct connection to God, but were never to be worshiped as God as some religions are in error of doing. Revelation 19:9-10 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” (NIV)

            God’s heavenly messengers are an important part of the believer’s life for they are there as the message center from God to us. The news of Jesus’ birth and resurrection was done by angels for God’s select few know of both monumental occasions. Luke 24:4-7 ⁽⁴⁾While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.⁽⁵⁾In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁽⁶⁾He is not here, he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁽⁷⁾‘ The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” (NIV) The angels delivered the message of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave to the women, who had arrived to put spices on His body, and they delivered the news to the disciples. The angel’s message kept Jesus’ followers from worry, so that they would remember His words that He would die, but rise again on the third day.

Angels are a reliable source of information from God and will never lead His people astray. They do not carry gossip or malicious rumors, but only deliver what God gives them to say. They are God’s unique mouthpieces and whatever they say, we must be obedient and do. They do not always appear in a form that is obvious, so the Bible lets us know to be kind to everyone because you never know if you may encounter one of His messengers. Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV)

Join us tomorrow as we talk about angels as GUARDIANS.