See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. -- Matthew 18:10
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? -- Hebrews 1:14
On OC last Friday, I expressed some reservations about
guardian angels. My issue is not with
regard to the existence of angels for which there is more than sufficient
Scriptural evidence. I am less uneasy
talking about angels than I would be talking to an angel. It seems to me that getting too involved in
the business of angels might be somewhat like the attitude Gildor the Elf had
of wizards: Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick
to anger.
We are also warned: Let no one disqualify you, insisting on
asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up
without reason by his sensuous mind (Colossians 2:18). This is probably the source of most of my
reluctance to attempt to communicate with or call upon angelic beings. Then, too, one must beware of the potential
for deception by the agents of the enemy:
And no wonder, for even Satan
disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Yet, this is also a strong argument for
seeking angelic assistance. In yesterday’s
post, I talked about two kinds of wisdom, worldly as opposed to spiritual.
People may be led astray by the practicality and
functionality of earthly wisdom. We may
also be deceived by “insights” with come from demonic sources. One may be -- in as sense -- inspired by bad angels just as by
good. Since Christians are indwelt by
the Holy Spirit Himself, we might conclude that only those outside of the Body
of Christ would be susceptible to demonic enthusiasms. I think that is generally the case, though a
Christian who is lax and lukewarm might be more vulnerable to such an attack
and more likely to accept demonic insights as genuine. We are aware, also, that simply recognizing something agrees
with Scripture is hardly proof that it is not a satanic suggestion – see the
temptation of Christ. Give the Devil his
due. He knows the Bible.
And, speaking of Christ’s trial in the desert, we are
reminded that after Jesus had faced the Tempter, angels came to minister to Him
(Matthew 4:11). The same thing occurred
in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Jesus could
have called upon angelic help to escape from those sent to arrest Him: Do you think that I cannot appeal to my
Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
(Matthew 26:53). He refused to do so
because it was necessary that “the
Scriptures be fulfilled” (v. 54).
Being no expert in this area, I can only follow along with
what the Bible says and with the advice of wiser and more sanctified heads than
my own. Angels will strengthen us when
our strength and ability to resist is weakened.
When physical trials overwhelm us, we may call upon their aid in
extremity. When we are confused by the
attacks of the enemy, we may call upon angels to defend us and speak truth to
us.
A very practical application might be if we find ourselves
involved in conflict, our own anger and defensiveness tends to blind us to reason
and spiral us deeper into hurt and anger.
I have no doubt that demons can feed off pain and rage. We can ask that our angel or angels step in
to fend off the enemy and help us get back in control. Too, if we see someone else in a
similar situation, we can ask that angels be allowed to defend them against
demonic instigations.
Angels are our fellow servants. The fallen ones, like fallen men, seek their
own glory and exaltation. The holy and
good angels live only to serve God, to glorify, honor, worship, and exalt Him. They do not desire our worship, but they will
joyously come alongside in our hour of need because we have been adopted as heirs
of salvation.
