Jesus And Angels

As we are now at the end of the first week in Advent, we take this moment to be reminded of how we began the week. We were told that according to our faith, God would make us His living Advent illumination, as we received all angel shaped lights.

What a fitting way to end with Jesus and angels. However, it is necessary and crucially so, to categorically state that Jesus is not an angel. The writer of Hebrews puts it plainly when he writes about Jesus, Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1: 3 – 4.

We also note what Paul writes. 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. Colossians 1: 16.

I have brought this before us, for some are tempted and inveigled by the evil one to think of Jesus as a heavenly being, an angel, sent down by God, and seek Him as such. Resist all the deceiver’s lies. How can Jesus be God’s angel, when He was begotten, not made? How can He be a created being, as angels are created beings, when He is Himself Creator?

Having cleared that path, we move on freely to receive more illumined light on Jesus and heavenly angels. Does Jesus believe in God’s angels? Does He really want us to believe in angels as heavenly servants, messengers and vessels of God, who serve us here on earth? How important is it to believe in angels, whether earthly angels of God or heavenly angels of God?  Does God want His angels to be a daily part of our living? Ponder these! Be refurbished, re-oiled, rekindled and reignited.

When Mephibosheth is shown God’s unmerited grace, goodness and lavish love, through God’s earthly servant David, this is the recipient’s response of trembling joy. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My Lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever pleases you. 2 Samuel 19: 27. Indeed, you can be God’s given angel to others and they to you.

During a most stressful and debilitating time in his life, when he was as an insane man before Abimelech, homeless and most distressed, David experienced the Lord, through His angels, in unfathomable ways. He had clung desperately to this belief and was vindicated. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Psalm 34: 7. Believe this my friend, believe it.

In response to our asked questions, about Jesus believing in angels, there is fantastic and numerous proof. On one occasion, this is what Jesus tells the crowd listening to him. I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. Luke 12: 8 – 9.

In one of His teaching sessions, when Jesus used a little child to make a necessary and crucial point about the Kingdom of Heaven, He gives His hearers this stern warning. Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18: 10.

Clearly, there are heavenly angels who are given to children to watch over them. With even more curious joy, exhilaration, and godly submission, we see God’s angel looking after His little Begotten One in the Advent Story. Neither Joseph, nor Mary know the diabolically deadly plans which have been prepared for Baby Jesus. As His earthly angels and guardians, they are doing their best for the Christ Child in their care. Albeit, God’s angel knows what they do not know and ever being protected by His Heavenly Father, this is what we are told. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him. Matthew 2: 13b.  Heavenly angels have always encamped around Jesus, watching out for Him and ministering to Him. Heavenly angels are still hedged around all those who fear God.

We conclude even more fully convinced, persuaded and comforted in faith that God has given this week to all who know that they needed it and those who did not realize they needed it. Many of us are able to say thanks for many angel illuminations. However, we are ever so deeply and sincerely grateful, not just for the courage to say that we believe in angels, but much more. We now know and can show, even beyond all shakiness, tentativeness and shyness, that we understand more about angels and will no longer be afraid to live the evidence of angels around us. 

What an Angelic Advent Week! May faith keep us mounting with wings like eagles and may trust keep us soaring on, with grace like doves.