Iii. The Protection By God (Vs. 7) Series

III. The Protection by God (vs. 7) So we have a God who Hears, Helps and Holds. But what is the medium in which He keeps us safe? Who is doing God’s bidding on our behalf? Are angels real? The Misconception of Angels. (People say when someone dies -- they become an Angel, or I have my guardian Angels and think that they are a dead family member) What kind of Power do the Angels possess?

A. The Angel - Hebrew: mal·äk' -- Messenger or Representative 4X translated as Ambassador. The Greek: angelos -- divine messengers / ambassadors sent by God.

They are Messengers/representatives of the Lord Himself to carry out God’s agenda, for the sole purpose of doing His bidding.

Scripture tells us that these ever-living beings are created by God to serve as ministers to us, the heirs of God’s Salvation.

(Heb 1:14 NKJV) Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

What are some of their roles they play in their service to the Almighty?

They come to reassure us and offer hope. (After Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness...angels came and ministered to Him..” (Matt. 4:11)

They come to give us guidance and direction.

They come to call us to special missions.

They come to rescue us from some great dangers.

While at times angels appear as radiant being, (at the Tomb of Jesus) very often angels come in the guise of ordinary men.

(Heb 13:2 NKJV) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so [doing] some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Angels have also been involved in salvation history’s pivotal events.

Host of angels witnessed the creation of our universe.

Angels were involved in teh miracles that won Israel’s release from slavery in Egqpt.

Angels observed the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and angels administered Old Testament law.

Angels announced the Savior's birth.

Angels ministered to Jesus at Gethsemane the night before the Crucifixion.

Angels rolled the stone away from the empty tomb.

They announced His resurrection they were present at His ascension and will be a significant part in His return.

However not all angels are good….there is a dark side, Demons -- fallen angels “Spiritual Wickedness in Heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

The bible speaks in Satan leading a rebellion (Ezek. 28; Is. 14) against God and how a host of angels sided with him against God. One third to be exact shown in: (Rev. 12:4) His (The Dragon / Satan) tail drew a third of the stars (Fallen angels / Demons) of heaven and threw them to the earth

They have an intense hostility toward God and the human beings whom God loves.

Praise God for Jesus, the Cross and Resurrection, for He has broken the power and influence over those who have been sealed with the Holy Spirit! These fallen angels must submit to the Mighty Name of Jesus!

B. Their Attributes “Angel of the Lord” - If Satan is scripture's premier “bad” angel, it helps us to understand that the “angel of the Lord” is scripture's premier “good” angel. He appears frequently throughout the old testament.

What is so special about this Angel from the others? We have a detailed account in the story of Hagar…(Sarah’s maiden who she gave to Abraham, mother of Ishmael, she was banished by Sarah after Isiah was born into the wilderness there at the end, no water, no food literally dying, she had an encounter with the “Angel of the Lord”

This was what most theologians refer to in the bible as a “Theophany” -- an appearance of God in human or angel form. Thus the special name for this Angel. (The Angel of the Lord)

In the N.T. known as a “Christophany” -- Jesus clothed in an Angelic form.

This angel is considered as God Himself. No other angel speaks for or as God himself (Judg.2:1) “I will multiply your descendants” Most likely “the Angel of the Lord” is an earthly visitation of God Himself cloaked as an angel.

Important to note that this declaration of David in Ps 34:7 is really of the The Lord God Almighty Himself.

C. Their Array “encamps all around”

Encamps -- khä·nä' -- to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against to pitch a tent.

We see this aspect in scripture of the surrounding, encampment of God. Like a hedge set around us.

This Theophany of God as an Angel.

(Psa 91:4 NKJV) He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth [shall be your] shield and buckler.

Differing from giving his angels charge over you….vs. 11-12.

In the New Testament we see Jesus illuding to His Old Testament roll about Israel.

(Mat 23:37 NKJV) "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing!