The Mysterious World of Angels
Angels are often misunderstood as being one-dimensional and detached from our reality. However, the Bible reveals that their world is just as complex and active as ours. They exist in a different dimension, yet their lives intersect with ours in meaningful ways.
Ministering Spirits
Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” Martin Luther believed that angels were created by God specifically for the service of Christendom and the church. While we don’t know the full extent of their duties, it’s clear that they play a significant role in human affairs.
Unseen but Active
As ministering spirits, angels are actively involved in our lives, even if we can’t see them. They do many things on our behalf, but Scripture doesn’t encourage us to try to discern their unseen work. Instead, we’re reminded to exhibit hospitality, as we never know when an angel might be our guest.
Visible Appearances
While angels don’t have material bodies, they can appear in visible form when God chooses to manifest them. In Scripture, angels always appear as men, using masculine pronouns to refer to them. For example, in Genesis 18-19, angels visited Abraham and appeared as fully human.
Messengers of God
One of the primary roles of angels is to serve as messengers of God. In fact, the Greek word “angelos” means “messenger.” Angels provide a heavenly messenger service, delivering important messages to humans throughout Scripture.
Worshiping Around the Throne
Angels are also constantly worshiping around the throne of God. Worship is one of their chief functions, as seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:6-9. In heaven, we’ll join the angels in worshiping God around his throne.
The Song of Heaven
Revelation 4:8 describes the incredible creatures who worship nonstop around God’s throne, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” This is the song of heaven, which we’ll one day join in with glorified voices.
Longing for Heaven
As we glimpse the mysterious world of angels, we’re reminded of the bliss of heaven and our perfect enjoyment of God. Instantly, when we hear the song of heaven, all earth’s troubles will recede into insignificance. We’ll be part of the great chorus of the redeemed, with the entire host of heaven joining in.
Leave a Reply