Angels 101

 

Portrait of the Angel

Angels are confusing. We love them, create beautiful images of them, and are comforted by knowing they are all around us. Who wouldn’t want a Guardian Angel to depend on?  But who are Angels and what do they do besides fly around and look, well, angelic?There is a body of information in scripture.

Here are 10 things to know about Angels:

1. The word Angel comes from the Greek word ‘angelos’ which means messenger. Angels are messengers from God.

2. Angels appear in the Bible 273  times.

3. Angels are limited in their speech, they can only say what God has told them to say.

4. They are spirit beings, but have the ability to become present in a physical way.

5. They do not rest.

6. They do not die.

7. They can appear in dreams and visions.

8. There are so many Angels they cannot be counted.

9. Angels are powerful beings, mighty in strength.

10. Angels bring glory to God by helping us see Him at work in our lives.

Psalm 91:11 tells us, “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

The most well known Angel in the Bible is Gabriel who appeared to both Joseph and Mary but on separate occasions. Mary met the Angel in real life but Gabriel appeared to Joseph in a dream. Does this mean God reaches us by messenger in a way we can best understand?  Mary was afraid of the Angel, but readily said yes, Joseph needed some time to think and reflect after his Angelic encounter.

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Such a beautiful thought, angels dwell here on earth without us even knowing they are here. Maybe today you will be with an Angel.

Portrait of the Angel 2

 

3 comments on “Angels 101

  1. Beautiful! I’ve never really thought about angels like you did here. At my last church 2nd graders were called Faith Friends and promise to pray for a baby and his/her family until he/ she starts Sunday School. The original name was guardian angels but we thought the 2nd graders would feel awful if something happened to that child.

    1. Tara, I hadn’t really given angels much thought either until I did research for my children’s book, Joseph’s Heart. They were always in the background, I did not realize how frequently they come up in scripture. Thanks for stopping by.

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