An unhappy husband once said, “My wife’s a real angel, she’s always harping about something!” Obviously this husband needs a course in building a happy marriage. He also needs a course about angels. If we think that angels are simply sitting around heaven playing harps, we’ve clearly not read the Bible. The Bible, our only really reliable source about angels, paints a completely different picture. Angels are specially created spirit beings who play a significant role in God’s plan. In basic terms, angels are both messengers and ministers.
First, we discover from the Bible that angels are messengers. In fact, the term “angel” comes from the Greek word for messenger. One specific messenger angel named Gabriel appears in both the Old and New Testaments. In Daniel 9.22 Gabriel said to the prophet, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.” God used Gabriel to deliver His special revelation to Daniel. This same angelic messenger delivered the news of the coming birth of John the Baptist, telling his father Zechariah “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news” (Luke 1.19). Soon afterward, Gabriel spoke to Mary and announced the coming of Jesus. In Luke 1.35 Gabriel said to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” An unnamed angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the field around Bethlehem. Luke 2.10-11 quotes this angel’s message, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” After Jesus’ resurrection an angel announced to the women at the empty tomb, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28.5-6). Angels have indeed been entrusted with some of the most amazing messages from heaven.
Second, the Bible tells us that angels are ministers. They serve God and God’s people. Hebrews 1.14 says, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” God employs angels to offer praise, to mete out punishment, and to protect His people. In Luke 22.43 we read that while Jesus poured out His soul in the Garden of Gethsemane, “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Psalm 91.11 assures us, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Angels minister to both God and God’s people.
It’s comforting to know that God cares for us in so many ways. We can trust Him with our whole hearts. Have you trusted Jesus Christ? Why not put your faith in Him today!
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