Angels
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:2, NRSV
I love stories and movies about angels. I had a person tell me recently about a possible encounter with an angel, and he/she was not sure whether to believe in angels. There are many accounts in scripture of angels in our world. Angels are messengers from God and can help us as well. However, they are not our personal assistants. They are not sent to do our bidding, but to do God’s work, by delivering a message, providing help, or giving strength or comfort. There are many stories in scripture, both in the Old and New Testament, that tell of angels carrying out the will of God. Here are just a few.[i]
“An angel appeared to Elijah in the wilderness, touched him, and told him to get up and eat so he would have strength for his journey, and the angel provided him with food and drink.”
1 Kings 19:5-8
”An angel saved Daniel in the lions’ den, shutting the lions’ mouths so they would not hurt him.”
Daniel 6:22
“An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to take Mary as his wife because the child she carried was conceived from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:20
“An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds to tell them of the birth of the Messiah and where to find Him.”
Luke 2:8-14
“An angel appeared to Peter and helped him to escape from prison. Peter believed it was just a dream until the angel left him and he realized that he was, indeed, free from prison.”
Acts 12:7-11
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ was made known by sending his angel to John.”
Revelation 1
So, we can see from these examples that angels are frequently mentioned in a variety of roles throughout scripture. One might say, then, that angels existed in Biblical times, but not in modern times. Perhaps in Biblical times, people were more open to recognizing angels in their lives. Yet, even Peter, at first, doubted the existence of the angel who helped him escape from prison. Maybe you don’t think you have ever encountered an angel, but perhaps you have, without knowing it at the time.
I close with a prayer from the Compline service in "The Book of Common Prayer" that speaks of angels.
“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.” Amen.
"The Book of Common Prayer," page 134
[i] (Williams, Peter S. The Case For Angels, 2002, pp. 107 -108).
