Angels Part 2

God is love, overwhelming, unfailing, everlasting love!

1 Corinthians 13, shows us, the wonderful characteristics of true love. 

One of those characteristics, that has particularly stood out for me lately, is protection. 

In these uncertain times, it is good to know that God's very nature is to love and protect us.

We need to be encircled by wings of protection.

Universally, wings seem to convey being loved, shielded and protected.

Like little ducklings, snuggled up under the wings of the mother, hidden, warm and safe.

In Psalm 91, we are given this beautiful illustration of God's protection.

" He will cover you with His feathers

and under His wings you will find refuge "

The bible refers to people, being like sheep. 

When we lose sight of the shepherd, we lose His protection. 

And we are all inclined, to wander off in the wrong direction.

 Isaiah 53 v 6 says, 

" Many like sheep, have gone astray. "

The grass often looks greener on the other side, and the sunlit  pasture over there, can look way more interesting and inviting, than the dull and dusty road we are travelling.

New Age teachings can seem, like a newer, shinier version of biblical truth.

In a masterstroke of deception, people are lured by the concept of partnering with angels. 

The best deceptions are half truths and false truths. 

The bible speaks of angels ministering to, and helping mankind. 

It seems only a small step, to actually ask the angels directly for help.

In New Age Spirituality, angels are all around us, everywhere, and they can be called upon to help us. 

All we have to do is ask them!

We can ask our guardian angel for their name and they can be involved in an guide us in our life.

They can help us to find parking spaces, and send us messages in the form of white feathers, or birds appearing and singing.

There is also the belief, that our dearly departed loved ones or pets become angels in heaven.

The bible does not specifically mention guardian angels. 

In fact that idea is Islamic. 

The Qur'an implies that each person has many angels or groups of angels guarding them.

In the bible, those who honour Him, are so precious and valuable to God, that he sends special forces, to protect them from danger.

Luke 4 v 10 quotes Psalm 91,

 " For He will command His angels

Concerning you

To guard you in all your ways"

God, our Father commands the angels, and there is no suggestion, that they are at our personal beck and call. 

Hebrews 1 v 14 calls them ministering spirits,

 " Are not all angels, ministering spirits,

Sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? "

Angels are sent by God to help and minister to His people.

In Daniel 3 v 28,  An angel was sent to protect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the blazing furnace.

In Daniel 16 v 22, An angel closed the mouths of the lions.

In Acts 12 v 7, An angel leads Peter, safely out of prison.

These angels are supernatural, super heroes!

 They do not leave white feathers lying around!

 I know which kind of angel, I would rather have, if I was in a bind!

The idea of a guardian angel may offer comfort, in the same way a white lie, is a temporary balm for suffering.

But my question is this, why settle for the arms of angels, when you can have the everlasting arms of God?

" The eternal God is your refuge,

and underneath are the everlasting arms. "

Deuteronomy 33 v 27

New Age Practitioners also believe that we can call upon the Archangels,  if we are really in a fix. 

Archangel Michael can fight for us, Archangel Gabriel can help with communication problems. Archangel Raphael, with his green energy can bring healing and Archangel Jophiel, longs to bring us joy.

There is only one archangel specifically mentioned in the bible and that is Archangel Michael.

 To be honest if  Archangel Michael showed up, I would be terrified!

Angels are obedient to God and are tremendously powerful.

 (2 Thessalonians 1 v 7)

When angels make an appearance in the bible, people are overcome with fear. "Fear not" is generally their first greeting.

This fact, seems to be overlooked by the New Agers, along with the most important fact, that we have no need or reason to speak to angels at all!

We can communicate directly with the most supreme being of all!

The supreme being, who invites us to call Him Father!

The bible tells us,

" You alone are the Lord,

You made the heavens

and all their starry host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

you give life to everything, 

and the multitudes of heaven

worship you. "

Nehemiah 9 v 6

Love the Lord your God

with all of your heart, 

and with all of your soul,

and with all of your strength. "

Deuteronomy 6 v 5

We were created by, and are loved by God, our only response should be to love Him in return.

 Genesis tells us that God, made mankind in His own image and breathed life into man's nostrils.

God created man, to be in relationship with Him.

 We were never, ever, meant to do it all alone!

God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and He looked for them.

Angels aren't even mentioned in the creation story.

We know, that God created angels, but Genesis focuses on the special and unique relationship between God and man.

The bible never suggests speaking to angels.

 Angels did not walk in the garden with Adam and Eve because God was too busy!

There is no suggestion that angels were more approachable!

The creator delighted in His creation.

God loved mankind and wanted a relationship with them!

No intermediary is required!

Good deserves our hearts, our love and our devotion.

I have heard it said that the entire bible, from Genesis to Revelation, can be summed up in one sentence,

" God gets His family back! "