I’m going to be making some major design and content changes on my blog in the next couple of weeks, which I’ll explain further as the new design is closer to being launched.
One of the changes I’d like to make is to write a weekly post that has to do with faith, and which will be posted on the same day every week. That way, those of you who are of different or no faiths and have no interest in reading such things can just skip those days. I still want you to feel comfortable being here.
(I’ll be doing the same thing with the food posts – posting them on the same day of the week – because not everyone wants to know how to make a salade niçoise).
But you know, sometimes I have something I really want to talk about that doesn’t wait for regularly scheduled programming and new blog designs. Today the subject is angels. Of course anyone can read this if interested, but it’s not meant to convince the non-interested about the presence or lack thereof of angels.
All I hope to do is to clarify things from a Judeo-Christian point of view, if that is the one you subscribe to.
Angels are powerful creatures, you know. It took one angel to put 185,000 Assyrian soldiers to death one night while they were sleeping because they had drawn up in battle against Israel. (2 Kings 19:35). This happened after the Assyrian field commander publicly mocked the Israelites, saying, ” – you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces a man’s hand and wounds him if he leans on it!“
Those insults prompted the Israeli King Hezekiah’s prayer, and that led to deliverance from their enemy in ways they could never have guessed.
But knowing how powerful one angel can be adds a new dimension to Jesus’ words when he said – right before his crucifixion – “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way.” (Matthew 26:53)
Jesus could have called out to God, and in that instant have access to at least 72,000 angels. That’s a lot of potentially destructive power right there that he decided not to use for his own benefit. Instead he went to the Cross because he chose to be obedient to the plan of God – it was not because he was too weak to escape the men who were crucifying him.
Angels are warriors. “And there was a war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.“
If you’ve ever said or believed, like I have, that good is stronger than evil – there is actually Biblical basis for it. God’s angels beat Satan’s angels in the war in heaven.
Angels can appear in human form. Genesis 19:1 “The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them . . .” So there is a technical possibility that the person you crossed paths with, whom you thought might be an angel – actually was.
They appear to people as messengers of God. The angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel, saying, “As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” (Daniel 9:23)
And they appear in order to protect God’s people. “My God sent his angel, and they shut the mouths of the lions.” (Daniel 6:22)
Hm. They shut the mouths of beasts to protect God’s people, but they don’t hesitate to shut the mouths of people who are incredulous either. Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist) – when told his wife would bear a child in their advanced age – did not believe it. He asked the angel how he could be sure of this. And the answer he got in Luke 1:19?
“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.“
Basically, he had told Zechariah – I am the angel Gabriel. I stand in the presence of GOD! How can you still doubt my message? Do you think God is that fickle?
Angels are righteous – it is in their very nature to be perfect in their obedience to God. (I won’t go into the debate whether they can still be tempted by sin after Satan and his angels fell from God’s grace, but there seems to be evidence that the angels who remain with God do not sin).
They are so righteous, they do not take matters into their own hands. “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ ” (Jude 6) Many times we swear in anger, or curse people without thinking, but an angel will not rebuke Satan of his own accord. He leaves it to God to do that. He’s righteous and humble.
So these are the kinds of things angels are. And yet these powerful, righteous, protector, warrior, messengers of God are there for us – a chosen people, because that’s what it says in 1 Peter 2:9. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God –“
We don’t become angels when we die. Instead – miraculously – we are a part of the royal priesthood, the chosen people. Completely without any merit of our own, we are set above angels.
“Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” (1 Corinthians 6:3)
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
We hear it all the time when we lose a loved one. We say it all the time when someone dear to us loses a loved one, especially when they lose a child. We say, “He (or she) is now an angel looking down at us.”
But that’s not quite true.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:10 about the little children: “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” The angels of our children have direct access to God. They are in the inner court of his kingdom, in his very presence. The angels hold an esteemed position in the heavenly court.
But we, ourselves, don’t become angels when we die.
Astonishingly, undeservedly, we become something . . . better.
* * * * *
Image Credit 123RF
Love this! I’ve learned so much more about angels by reading what the Bible says about them after Jack died.
anna whiston-donaldson recently posted…New Digs
The Scripture I find most comforting is the one that says that Jack’s angel was in God’s presence the whole time Jack was here, even until the end. I feel like it was the resuscitation team – a triage in the heavenly ER – waiting to receive him so they could bring him back to life.
So glad you said this. How can clergy LIE to parents who have lost a child, telling them that “God needed another angel in heaven?”. That is a horrible lie about our loving heavenly Father.
Carrie recently posted…Bits & Pieces
Welcome Carrie!
Yes, it is a serious business to teach, as the teachers will be held more accountable by God. Even I feel nervous “teaching” on my blog, as small a thing as that is.
i’m looking forward to the new changes around here. While I’m not a follower of any religion really I will still be here to read because, like this post, I find it interesting!
Jackie recently posted…A weekend at Grand Traverse Resort
Thanks for reading Jackie! Hugs!
I’m an atheist myself, but find discussions of faith very interesting. Thank you for clarifying your point of view on angels. And thank you for your sensitivity to the beliefs of your audience. (It’s very Christian of you in the best sense of the word.)
Korinthia recently posted…What Color Would You Call It?
My husband was an atheist so I get that. I love my diverse friendships and don’t want to lose those.
Jennie, I first must say that I absolutely LOVE your blog. Your life story had me riveted from beginning to end (and I am immensely inspired by your perseverance, faith, and honesty throughout). That being said, I found your comment about your husband being a former atheist really interesting–I myself have been Christian my entire life but am now leaning towards atheism (or something as yet undefined). I won’t lie, it scares me to death to be in this place of uncertainty after feeling SO certain for so long, 🙁 I apologize in advance if you’ve previously disclosed your husbands journey from atheism–but if you haven’t, I’d love to hear more about it in a future post, if possible). I love your blog as it is, but I’m excited about the upcoming changes as well! 🙂
Hi Traci,
I loved reading your comment and hearing a bit more about you. 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement, as well, which gives me a huge lift.
I wonder if I can get my husband to write about his story from atheism to faith in more depth. I know I gave a synopsis in the chapter where we were dating, but I’m sure he has plenty more to say. I’ll ask him!
But something I am sure we can both attest to (as in, I can speak for him on this one), that Scripture in Romans 10:17 that says “faith comes from hearing the message?” Neither one of us would have any kind of real faith if it were just based on what we saw around us or what we heard in church. Our faith is strong because we read the Bible regularly. And then, sort of on the flip side, as Jesus said in John 8:31-32 you have to put the Word into practice. Some of our faith comes from doing it (even if we don’t exactly see where it’s headed). We do it and the miracles follow and it builds our faith.
I’m not sure if you’re in a place where you want to explore those ideas – you’re very welcome here, regardless – but those are the things that changed and matured both of us spiritually.
Hugs!
You have such a gracious way about you Jennie. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to so thoughtfully respond. 🙂 I had a feeling that you may have given a synopsis of your husbands journey, but I was often reading so late into the night that I’m afraid some of it missed sinking in. Will have to re-read at some point. 🙂
I appreciate your scripture references, and indeed have believed in the Power behind them for my whole life. My problem now is feeling the need for something OTHER than the Bible to prove Jesus’ supremacy. I hate even saying that I feel that way…but it’s true. I’ve been challenged for the last year by my atheist friend, and I simply cannot refute the logic of her points, nor my disquiet at how unjust He seems at times. (**expecting the lightening bolt to strike any second now, lol**). And if I’m looking at it objectively, pretending as if I’d never heard of Christianity, I can’t justify why I’d be inclined to believe the fantastical stories of the Bible as opposed to, say, the fantastical stories written in the Book of Mormon (or any other religous text). I’m not trying to be blasphemous here, nor do I wish to offend you (or anyone else) in any way. I hope I’m not. I’m just honestly searching for the peace I used to have…with the knowledge that there are no blinders in place. Yet for every argument I hear against Christianity, a scripture pops into my head (like Acts 9:18, scales falling from eyes). And I know that’s exactly how it’s “supposed” to be, having the Word written on my heart. But I just feel the need for something MORE, something irrefutable, something outside of the Bible. I’ve read that Josephus said, “and he was God.” But other than that…
I’ve been miraculously and instantly healed 3 times, and it was in JESUS name in which the healing took place, so that is what I hold on to these days. THAT is all I can claim to know, for sure. A Power that was clearly manifested. (And believe me, I’m not trying to downplay the miracles for what they were, not at all…but I just wish everything else from God felt more like true love, rather than selective love, conditional love). Or, I suppose, more accurately, that the love from “CHRISTIANS” felt more like true love, rather than conditional love. In my opinion, if Christ was truly working through believers, they wouldn’t have such ignorant hate for homosexuals, judgement for anyone and everyone different than them. I guess I’m just tired of the hate disguised as love…in Jesus’ name.
Ok, I apologize for bending your ear for so long! And please don’t feel the need to reply to any of my rambling…you have better things to do than to try and convince a Christian that she’s a Christian. 😉 There are more questions than answers for me right now and I don’t envision this being easy or quick to resolve. But I love hearing about everyone’s life journey, trying to see the thread that binds us.
Thank you again for your time. 🙂
You can ramble here any time you want. It doesn’t sound like rambling to me. 🙂
I love this description! I think a lot of us use the term “angel” because it’s simple, easy, and especially with babies, gives us an image of a cute little cherub sitting up in the clouds. But no, I don’t see Kathryn as a warrior and I’m happy she’s better than an angel… but I’ll probably still use that term cause it’s easier! And I’m lazy. But at least I now know what an angel really is! 🙂 Love this new series and I’m looking forward to following it!
Alexa recently posted…Excerpt from Render – Novel Publicity Blog Tour
Yes, of course, Alexa! I totally get that!
—Direct Access To God.*****
I love that image. I love the idea that Kay is sitting w/ HIM the very moment, & I imagine HE is stroking her hair.
Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…13 Reasons I Continue Blogging
Aw Kim …
xoxo
I loved your comments on angels from the Scriptures. You brought out many interesting points!
Thanks A Carol! 🙂
Well done, my Friend!!! And so please to be a part of your weekly bible study and to have your insight. Love!!!!!
Thank you lovely. 🙂
Well you know my teeter totter thoughts and feelings…but you know that I’ll always follow you like a creeper because you’re words are so comforting. I like when you write like this because it gives me a different perspective on things. It makes me think…and hope.
I was always taught that we turn into angels. It’s one of those things that make you feel a tad more comfortable when someone dies, like it’s a “reward” for their time on earth. Does that make sense?
Kimberly recently posted…War On All Of The Things
If I were to have someone following me like a creeper, I would definitely want that someone to be you! 😉
I totally know what you mean about the angel thing. And it doesn’t help that (one of my favorite movies in the world) “It’s a Wonderful Life” portrays angels and heaven just like that.
We are drawn to the idea of angels, like to know that they are looking down on us in this frightening world. When they take the form of our lost loved ones in our minds, that is very comforting. In addition to what we see in the movies, maybe that’s why we prefer to see ourselves as angels when we die?
But I find more comforting what you pointed out, that angels are warriors sent by God to fight for us, that the “angels of our children have direct access to God,” that they come to us as God’s messengers. They protect us, watch over us.
I can already tell that I’m going to love this new series!
Andrea recently posted…September 11, 2001
That means a lot to me Andrea! 🙂
I am always impressed by your faith, Jennie. I don’t have the same kinds of commitment to the Bible and church as you do, but I think we see God through the same eyes.
I adore you.
I adore you too. 🙂
Looking forward to your new lay out!
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently posted…I’m raising Joe Tribbiani’s children : family pizza with chorizo and mozarella
Thanks Tinne!
PS just the title of your post attached here has me drooling!
I always thought the “we become angels when we die” kind of thinking was silly, to be perfectly honest. Kind of like people who quote those “verses” from the Bible, you know, like “God helps those who help themselves”? I don’t mean any disrespect, I just didn’t grow up being taught that, & don’t understand the basis of that thinking or where people came up with it.
Natalie – The Cat Lady Sings recently posted…Beautiful Music
Bonjour Natalie!
You know, Matthieu found a Scripture we had both forgotten about after I hit publish (and I think I’m going to include it as a sort of amendment) and it’s the one where Jesus says you won’t marry in heaven, but you’ll be like one of the angels. It doesn’t change what I wrote because I believe he was talking about our new body, but it’s worth mentioning as that might be where the idea came from.
I’ve been guilty of some of those things, like – Eve ate an “apple,” Jonah was swallowed by a “whale,” Salomé asked for the head of John the Baptist (I got that last one from the opera and was convinced it was actually in the Bible)! I have to catch myself sometimes. 🙂
This is a great start to your new series. I’m very excited about it.
Tracie recently posted…The Nothingness Of Grief
Oh yay! Thanks Tracie!
Excellent! Sharing this with a friend who wants to know more about angels 🙂
dusty earth mother recently posted…It’s National “Stop Procrastination Day”!
cool!
That was wonderful, Jennie. You beautifully pulled that all together. Thank you.
Hillary recently posted…Death in the family
I’m really thankful for your replies to Traci because it really spoke to me. lately i have started feeling rather apathetic about spiritual things. I think I should start to read the bible regularly though I honestly don’t feel like it at all.
Looking forward to your new series too!!! 🙂
Hi Judith, welcome! 🙂
I know! I know how you feel! It’s actually really hard to have faith over long periods of time. If the grief doesn’t kill it, then boredom will. Reading the Bible really does make a difference long-term, but sometimes it’s hard to get the motivation to do it. You open the Bible to some random page and it starts talking about how God will afflict the people with a plague if they don’t repent, and you’re like – is that totally random? Or is he talking about me? 😀
I found that it helps to either pick a book and read the whole thing (some of my favorites – John, Esther, Jonah, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel because they’re like reading a story) or getting a book that gets me inspired again. That’s what helps me anyway.
Thank you thank you for responding with kindness and such practical advice, Jennie! I am sure it is no coincidence (are there ever any!) but a trusted friend in my small group had known of my growing cold and recently asked me if I would read 1 & 2 Samuel together with her, a chapter a day. I’ve fallen behind but I think I hear Him calling out to me. The ball is in my court and I am a little afraid-whether I will persevere, what He will say and reveal, but mostly I am thankful He still speaks!
That IS so cool! God does speak, even if he’s sometimes silent for a stretch. But when we really need him, he’s there. (One more verse for you – 1 Kings 19:1-13). 😉