When someone we don’t know steps into our lives and helps us in a moment of need, we often say, “They were like an angel to me.” This highlights how we often associate angels with acts of rescue. However, there is so much more to learn and reflect on when we meditate on the true nature and purpose of angels.
We are created in the image of God, positioned below the angels but above the animals!
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior this week, it feels especially apporirate to reflect on the angels—the first evangelists who proclaimed the good news of Christ’s arrival.
Angels were the very first to evangelize the birth of Christ to Humans, they shared the word to Christ to Shepeards
Luke 2:8-14 'And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” '
Who are Angles ?
They are ministring spirits of God to do his work in Heaven and earth - Hebrews 1:14 'Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?'
Types of Angles in God’s Kingdom
There are millions of Angels in God’s mighty kingdom. There are different type of Angels in God’s kingdom, we look at the Top 4, there could be many more in God’s kingdom.
Seraphim - They continually worship and glorify God, proclaiming His holiness. (Isaiah 6:2-3), they Symoblize - Purity, intense devotion, and the divine fire of God’s love. Seraphim are often depicted as having six wings and being closest to God’s throne. Isaiah 6:2-3 'Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” '
Cherubim - Often described as mighty and majestic, Cherubim are guardians of sacred spaces. They guard the throne of God and the way to the Tree of Life in Eden (Genesis 3:24).
Exodus 37:9 'The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover. '
Genesis 3:24 'After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.'
Archangels - Archangels are chief angels among angels and messengers for significant missions. They deliver important messages and lead battles against evil forces. Notable archangels include:
Michael: The protector and leader of God’s army -
Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Gabriel: The messenger of God, known for announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary. Its the Same Gabriel who came to give Daniel further understanding of the dream
Daniel 9:21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.
Luke 1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Angels - are the lowest rank but closest to humanity, Guardian angels fall into this category, assigned to protect and guide individuals throughout their lives. They also carry prayers to God and deliver messages. Angels are (also) stronger and more powerful than demonic powers as it stated in 2 Peter 2:11 we read on this in 2 Peter 2:10-11'This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. '
Why Angels worship Jesus ?
There are two reasons why Angels worship Jesus
Jesus was born into the world, as he is the son of God. Hebrews 1:6 'And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” '
The entire host of angels bows before Jesus, praising Him as holy, holy, holy for His redemptive work on the cross. He, who for a little while humbled Himself to be made lower than the angels, conquered death through His sacrifice. Hebrews 2:9 'But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. ‘
What do Angles do ?
Role and Activities of Angels in God’s Kingdom
Rejoice Over Repentance (Luke 15:7, 10): Angels celebrate with great joy when even one sinner repents - Luke 15:10 'In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” '
Eager Witnesses (1 Peter 1:12): Angels are deeply interested in the proclamation of the Gospel and watch every Gospel effort with anticipation. 1 Peter 1:12 'It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. '
Worship with Us (Revelation 5: 11,13): Angels join us (”every creature in heaven and on earth“) in worshiping the Almighty, thats why you see the presence of God in your prayers Revelation 5:13 'Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” '
Guard Church Discipline (1 Timothy 5:21): In 1 Timothy 5, Paul emphasizes the importance of disciplining elders and believers to preserve the sanctity of the Church. Angels play a role in upholding these instructions, ensuring discipline and order within the Church - 1 Timothy 5:21 'I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. '
Ministers to Believers (Hebrews 1:7,14): As humans, our spirits can falter and become consumed by worldly pursuits, constantly seeking renewal. However, for the children of God, angels serve as ministers, igniting a spirit of fire ( Hebrews 1:7 ”Flames of Fire” ) within us to assist and empower believers. They support us in various ways, such as helping, healing, praying, counseling, encouraging, and sharing - Hebrews 1:14 'Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?'
Welcome new Belivers when they are Born Again (Hebrews 12:22-23) - When we are born again, we are not only welcomed into the general assembly of saints but also into “thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly” as described in : Hebrews 12:22-23 'But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, '
Protect the righteous (Psalms 91:11-12) - God commands His angels to guard His children day and night, ensuring that Satan cannot harm them. These angels also guide us, preventing us from stumbling over the obstacles placed by the enemy. - Psalms 91:11-12 'For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. '
Protect the Glory of God (Acts 12:23) - In Acts 12, we witness the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison, but also the judgment of King Herod for stealing God’s glory. Because Herod failed to give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. The angels’ zeal to protect God’s glory is immeasurable - Acts 12:23 'Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. '
Free from the Stronghold of Satan (Daniel 10:12-13) - In Daniel 10, we read about Daniel’s fervent prayer in response to a vision he received. God’s archangel intervened, and through spiritual warfare, his prayers were answered for the rescue of his people as we read in Daniel 10:13 'But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Angelic Roles in the End Times
Increased Activity Before Christ’s Return (Revelation 7:1-2; 8:2,6; 12:7; 14:6-9; 18:1) : There is defined work that need to be done before the Second coming of Christ, The ministry of angels will intensify as the second coming of Christ approaches, as seen in the Book of Revelation. Matthew 24:31 'And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. '
Christ’s Return with his mighty angels (Matthew 16:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) : Christ will return with His mighty angels (Matthew 16:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7), and the voice of an archangel will announce His descent from heaven as its written in - 1 Thessalonians 4:16 'For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. '
Revival in End days (Matthew 13:39,41; 24:31): In the end times, angels will gather the elect from all corners of the earth and separate the righteous from the lawless. As the first evangelists who proclaimed the good news, angels will also play a pivotal role in the final harvest, bringing multitudes to Christ. They will help usher in a revival, breaking through the enemy’s strongholds and leading many to salvation as the end of the age unfolds. Matthew 13:37-39 'He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. '
Angels and Our Relationship with Christ
Acknowledgment Before Angels (Luke 12:8-9): Jesus will acknowledge before the angels those who publicly declared their faith in Him and deny those who denied Him as its written Luke 12:8-9 ' “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. '
The Humility and Hidden Work of Angels
Unseen Ministry (Hebrews 1:14): Much of what angels do for us is unseen and unknown, as they work behind the scenes in humility. Hebrews 1:14 'Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?'
Humble Servants (Isaiah 6:2): Angels never draw attention to themselves. As described in Isaiah 6:2, the seraphim angle cover their faces and feet while performing their duties, signifying reverence and humility. Isaiah 6:2 'Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. '
Warning against worshiping Angels
Worshiping an angels leads to Idiolatory (its a sin). Although angels are great and have significant roles in God’s kingdom, they are coworkers alongside humans, much like people in the world. However, it is a mistake to worship angels. The Bible warns against this. When John was taken to heaven, he mistakenly fell at the feet of an angel to worship him. The angel corrected him, instructing him not to worship. Revelation 19:10 NIV “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.””
Although we may be deceived by the goodness of angels and tempted to worship them, we must be cautious, as Satan often imitates the goodness of God for his own gain. He disguises himself as an angel of light to deceive us. 2 Corinthians 11:14 'And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. '
Summary
As we reflect on the role of angels and their unseen, invisible work in our lives, let their example inspire us to do good for others, especially during this Christmas season (and beyond). Whether it’s offering a meal to a beggar, donating clothes to someone in need, or giving money to someone who is struggling, we can all make a difference. Even if you’re unable to give materially, you can still pray for others, which costs nothing It’s incredibly powerful way to give, Praying for someone in need is a way to show love and compassion.
As it says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. '
God will surely bless you for your generosity, by giving his righteous gifts to do more, he will fill your barns and you will glorify God as a result of this, as He promises in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 'Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. '
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