In the life of Jesus, we see the messengers of God, called angels. It was their mission to be God's supernatural communicators to people. Hebrews 1:14 called them "ministering spirits to those who will inherit salvation." They are described as personality, with intelligence and look like bodies as they appeared to man. They do not have wings, like in the movies. They fly like Seraphim had 6 wings and could fly. God. They are not to be worshipped, but they were a heavenly court praising God and doing His will on earth.
Gabriel (Daniel 8:15) comes to Daniel and explains the vision of the 70 weeks. Then he appears as the messenger to announce the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:19,26). Luke begins his story of Jesus where the angels are very active in the life of Jesus -- A) His birth, appearing to Mary, then Joseph, then to the Shepherds, and then to warn Joseph to flee to Nazareth. B) During His ministry, after the 40 days, they ministered to Him, gave Jesus comfort when He needed it the most. (matthew 4:11)
C) In the Garden of Gethsemane an angel appeared to Him and strengthened Him (Luke 22:43)
D) Jesus said He could call 12 legions of angels (72,000) as He was in the Garden of Gethsemane being betrayed by Judas and the Roman soldiers. (Matthew 26:53)
E) An angel rolled away the stone at the tomb (Luke 24:4-7)
F) Two angels in white apparel appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20:11-14)
G) When Jesus was ascending to heaven, there appeared two men in white (as angels) saying that Jesus will come again just as you have seen Him now! (Acts 1:9-11)
H) Then John speaks about the angels in the book of Revelation that when Jesus returns again they will be involved with God's judgements and after the coming of Christ again.
I) The only word spoken about the angels by Jesus comes from Luke 15:10, "I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
CONCLUSION: I like the thought of God's angels are always on call, ready to to do His will. But the one time they did not come was when Jesus was dying on the cross. If they came to rescue Jesus, then our salvation would not have happened . God's plan was written down in scripture, described by David, (Psalms 22) and by Isaiah (Isa 53) and by Zechariah (Zech.13:6). Jesus showed His love to us as sinners, but He needed His angels to be His ministers, they were mighty, and they were many. But Jesus is our victorious King and will return in Glory with His angels. Amen.
Presented by Larry L. Vollink, Cedar Springs, Mich. (616) 655-4129 lawrenceV@comcast.net
