The Ministry of Angels
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14
Angels are mediators of God’s love and goodwill toward humankind, and their mission is always benevolent, which can be summarized in the following five ways.
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First, angels announce and forewarn. An angel announced in advance to Abraham and Sarah the conception and birth of their son Isaac (see Genesis 18:9-14). The angel of the Lord foretold the birth of Samson (see Judges 13:2-24). Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus (see Luke 1:13,30). An angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, and suddenly a chorus of heavenly hosts joined them in praising God. Angels also forewarned the righteous of imminent danger. An angel forewarned Abraham and Lot about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (see Genesis 18:16–19:29). An angel also warned Joseph to flee to Egypt (see Matthew 2:13).
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Second, angels guide and instruct. Abraham had repeated conversations with angels, and they guided him during his sojourn (see Genesis 24:7). When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, the angel of God guided them (see Exodus 14:19). During the Exodus, God told them, “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (23:20). An angel gave instructions to Cornelius (see Acts 10:3-7).
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Third, angels guard and defend. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:7). An angel made Balaam revise his prophecy and rewrite his sermon (see Numbers 22:21-38). God’s angelic army stood by to defend Elisha and his servant (see 2 Kings 6:17). An angel prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac (see Genesis 22:9-12) and protected the lives of Daniel and his three Hebrew friends (see Daniel 3:28; 6:22). The angel of death slew the firstborn of Egypt to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites (see Exodus 12:23). The angel of the Lord slew the army of Sennacherib to keep him from destroying Jerusalem (see 2 Kings 19:35). Jesus said He could have called on 12 legions of angels to save Himself (see Matthew 26:53).
John Patton, a missionary in New Hebrides, was once surrounded by hostile natives who were intent on burning down his mission headquarters. He and his wife were alone. They prayed for divine protection all night and were amazed the next morning to see the attackers leave for no apparent reason. A year later, the chief of the tribe converted to Christ, and John asked why he and his men had had left that night. The chief replied in surprise, “Who were all those men you had there with you—hundreds of men in shining garments?”
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Fourth, angels minister to our needs. Peter was in great need when an angel released his chains and marched him out of prison. An angel ministered to Elijah when he was exhausted and fed him some hot cakes and water (see 1 Kings 19:5-7). After Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil, the “angels attended him” (Mark 1:13).
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Fifth, angels assist in judgment. When the people shouted that Herod spoke as God, “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died” (Acts 12:23). The sheep and the goats will be divided “when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him” (Matthew 25:31).
a few questions to ponder:
How in the Bible did angels annouce God’s messages and forewarn people?
How did angels guide and instruct people?
How did angels guard and defend people? Is that still happening today?
Why do you think we are not more aware of the good work angels are doing today?
Does it comfort you to know that ministering angels are active in the kingdom of God as this present time? Why or why not?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.