Ministration of Angels

WHEN sin entered the world, God's glory was withdrawn, and a dark pall of gloom was spread over it; God no more talked with man. We have only a few fading flowers, a few bright spots to remind us of the departed glory. Even the angels have but seldom been seen by mortals. The most lovely objects that we behold are marred with deformity, and tarnished with decay. Hence men, ordinarily have but slight conceptions of the surpassing loveliness and glory of the heavenly beings. A few times a rift has been made in the clouds through which some privileged ones have been permitted to behold a few rays of the glory of Heaven. And then these have been so overwhelmed by it as to fear that they should die. Thus the prophet Isaiah, upon having a view of Heaven, exclaims, "Woe is me! For I am undone. For mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Isa. 6:5. As Moses came down from the mount where he had been with the Lord for forty days, his face so shone with the reflected glory of God that the Israelites in fear ran from him. Ex. 34.

How bright and glorious, then, must be the angels who dwell in the immediate presence of the Almighty. Some of the rays of this light and glory encircle them as they visit this world. Thus, when the angel came to Peter in the prison, it is said. "And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison." Acts 12:7. Of the angel who appeared at the tomb of our Saviour, it is said, "His countenance was like lightening, and his raiment white as snow." Matt. 28:3. And Daniel thus describes the appearance of an angel who came to him: "Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude." Chap. 10:5, 6.

Let the reader consider a moment what majesty and glory are here described. The most gorgeously appareled monarch would appear mean in comparison! No wonder that Daniel says of the men who were with him that "a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves." Verse 7. So exceedingly glorious was the sight of the Angel who came to John upon Patmos, that the apostle fell down to worship him, supposing that it must be God himself. Rev. 22:8. From these facts we can form some conception of the exalted nature of the holy angels.

Of the might and power of the angels the Bible also speaks in the strongest, terms. John says, "A mighty angel took up a stone like a great mill stone and cast it into the sea." Rev. 18:21. The Psalmist speaks of certain ones as "angels that excel in strength." Ps. 103:20. When the angel came to raise up Christ, he made the earth to quake, and the soldiers fell like dead men before him. Matt. 28:1-4.

Notice another interesting instance where their power was exhibited. In Kings 19, we learn that Sennacherib, a mighty king of Assyria, came against Hezekiah, king of Judah, with a powerful army, to capture Jerusalem. Hezekiah was a good man. Not being able to defend himself, he trusted in the God of Israel to deliver him. Sennacherib ridiculed this idea, and boasted that the God of Israel was not able to deliver Jerusalem out of his hands. The Lord heard this blasphemy, and determined to vindicate his authority. The Jews, being only a handful, seemingly would become an easy prey to the vast hosts of Sennacherib, numbering hundreds of thousands. But "it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred, four-score and five thousand; and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses." Verse 35. Here a single angel, commissioned from the court of Heaven slew one hundred and eighty-five thousand soldiers, defeated this mighty host, and saved Jerusalem! Compare the deeds of the "heroes of earth" with this and how puny they look!

The angels have also the control over the elements. Thus, when the king caused the furnace to be heated intensely hot, and the three Hebrews to be cast into it, the angel of the Lord came and stood and walked unharmed in the midst of the fire! Not only so, but he protected those men of God so that their garments were not even scorched! Dan. 3:19-27. The angels can also control the disposition of even the wild beasts. This we see in the case where Daniel was cast into the lions' den. Those ferocious beasts became as harmless as lambs. The angel of the Lord was there. Dan. 6:22. Again, heavy manacles fall off the bolted door, and the massive iron gate flies open at the command of an angel, when a child of God is to be delivered. Acts 12. Thus we see that all the elements of nature, as well as the minds of men and the dispositions of animals, are subject to the control of angels.

THE DIFFERENT ORDERS OF ANGELS.

Wherever the handiwork of God is seen, we behold the most perfect order and harmony. From the smallest blade of grass to the largest planet in the starry heavens, the most complete order is manifest, God is emphatically a God of order. It is an old and true proverb, that order is Heaven's first law. It is only where sin has left its footprints, where the trail of the old serpent is seen, and where wicked men rule, that we find disorder, confusion, and insubordination. That "union is strength," is a self-evident truth, as well as an established maxim. This can only be secured by law and order. Then do not nature and reason teach us that the angels must be subject to law and order, and that there must be different orders among them, as there are in every society of men, in the army, etc.? That this is the case the Bible seems to teach. Speaking of the coming of Christ, it says, "And the Armies which were in Heaven followed him upon white horses." Rev. 19:14. Here we see that Jesus, the great archangel (Jude 9) the Son of God, who stands at the head, is the commander-in-chief of the angelic armies. The same fact is again expressed in Rev. 12:7. "And there was war in Heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels." God has given to Michael (Christ) the command of all his armies. Thus Paul says, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2:9-11.

Now, if the angels are marshaled in armies (plural number, Rev. 19:14), and are subject to the orders of a chief commander, it is necessarily implied that there are also subordinate commanders, and captains of smaller divisions. We often read in the Bible of cherubim, Eze. 10:1, of seraphim, Isa. 6:1-6, of dominions, of principalities, of powers, etc. Col. 1:16; all of whom we conclude, are different orders of angels. When the soldiers came to take Jesus, he said to Peter, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" Matt. 26:53. A legion was the division of an army, numbering three or four thousand. Jesus said that his Father would send him more than twelve legions of angels if he desired it. This indicates that angels are divided into companies. We may further suppose that each company is subject to its commander, and he to one higher, and the latter to one still higher, and so on, till we reach the commander-in-chief, the Son of God. Thus all things go on in union and order, and the entire universe of God, except the region of Satan's rebellion, is preserved in the most perfect harmony.

THE ANGELS ARE MINISTERING SPIRITS TO THE CHILDREN OF GOD.

An angel signifies a messenger. Judges 2:1, margin. "Angel" the original word, both in Hebrew and Greek, means messenger, and is so translated. Matt. 11: 10 Union Bible Dic. We learn from the Scriptures, that it is the office of the angels to oversee the works of God, especially the cause of God in this earth, to watch over his children, administer to their wants, and defend them from their adversary, the devil. As there is an innumerable company of angels, some of them are always before the throne of God to go at his command. Says John, "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels around about the throne." Says David, "The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his, that that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul." Ps. 103:19-22. Here it is declared that God has his throne prepared in the heavens. The angels are represented as standing before him, ready to go at his pleasure as messengers to all parts of his dominion.

We have here represented a scene similar to that which we would behold in the court of an earthly monarch. The king sits upon his throne, with his officers and servants around him. Messages are constantly being received by him from his subjects in the different parts of his kingdom. When he learns what is needful to be done, he dispatches a trusty messenger to perform it in his name. He also has officers in different parts of his kingdom who faithfully report to him the state of things in their several districts. Thus the king is able to attend to the wants of his subjects, and to oversee their actions, in all parts of the dominion, however large it maybe. Somewhat so I understand it is that the Lord employs his servants, the angels. He always works by means, or agents. The angels are his officers, or messengers, whom he has appointed to have charge of the affairs of this earth. They watch over God's people, and administer to, their wants. They bear the prayers of the saints up before the Lord, and come again to answer them according to his direction.

The proof of this is abundant. Thus Paul says, "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:13, 14.

This is a direct statement of the position above taken. Upon this subject David says, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7. This grand truth is beautifully illustrated in Jacob's dream. As he was traveling alone in the wilderness, he lay down upon the ground at night to sleep. "And he dreamed, and, behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to Heaven; and, behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it." Gen. 28:12. This dream was given to teach Jacob that the angels are constantly passing backward and forward between Heaven and earth. This fact is just as true now as it was then.

We have another illustration of this truth in the history of Daniel. He was mourning over the sad state of his people who were captives under the king of Persia. For three whole weeks he fasted, and prayed to God to open the way for his people to return to their own land. At the end of this time an angel came to Daniel and said, "Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia." Chap. 10:12, 13. As soon as Daniel begins to pray, God sends an angel to perform his request. The angel goes to the Persian court and seeks to influence the king to let Israel return to their own land. The king was so opposed to this that the angel was not able to prevail with him. At last another mighty angel joins the first one and then they succeed. No one in the Persian court saw those angels. The king himself was not aware of their presence or their influence upon him; yet they brought him to do just what he did not mean to do.

This is the way in which the angels cooperate with God's children in their efforts for the conversion of souls. Our hearts are moved to pray for a son, a companion or friend. God sends an angel to impress the heart and trouble the mind, or, we are in distress. We cry for help, and God sends an angel to deliver us. Nor are they slow in coming. See an instance of this in Dan. 9:21-23. "Whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications, the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee."

When the prophet began his prayer, Gabriel was in Heaven; but before he ceased he was at his side! Quicker than lightning, then, the messengers can speed on their errands. Ezekiel, describing the rapidity of their movements, says they they "ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning." Chap. 1:14.

So when God hears the cries of his children, he immediately sends an angel right from his throne to answer their prayers and relieve their wants. This is very comforting to the child of God. We find a very remarkable instance of this recorded in Acts 12: "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the church. And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleaven bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter, therefore, was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. "And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison. And he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him, and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were passed the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." Verses 1-11.

Here all the power of the king was arrayed against a few helpless Christians. James, they had already killed. Peter was strictly guarded in prison, awaiting his execution. To make escape or rescue impossible, he was bound with chains, between two soldiers, several others being placed to assist them. He was put into an inner prison, from which it was impossible to escape except by passing these guards and breaking open an iron gate! What did Peter's friends do? Bribe the guard? overpower the soldiers? or break into the prison? No; but they went to God in earnest prayer. "But prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." God heard their prayers, granted their request, and sent an angel to deliver Peter. Simply by his touch the chains fell from Peter's hands, the guards became senseless, the iron gate gives way, and the child of God is saved! Cannot Christians trust in such a God as this? Are not his angels ready and able to deliver them from all their foes when it is necessary? It is truly as the Psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" Ps. 34:7.

Many other instances are recorded in the Bible, where God has sent his angels to minister to his children. They are so numerous that we can barely refer the reader to a few of the most interesting of them. Does Abraham send his servant on an important mission? He says to him The Lord "shall send his angel before thee." Gen. 24:7. Does Jacob bless his children at his death? He says, "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads." Gen. 48:16. Does the Lord direct the Jews to go into Canaan? He says to them, "Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared." Ex. 23:20. Is Elijah about to perish in the wilderness? "Then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head," 1 Kings 19:5, 6. Is Daniel delivered out of the lions' den? He says, "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." Dan. 6:22. Is the gospel to be opened to the Gentiles? An angel is sent to Cornelius. Acts 10. Is Paul's life in danger? An angel of God stands by his side to assure him of safety. Acts 27:23.

What more shall we say? Time would fail us to mention a tithe of such instances where the angels of God are directly mentioned as having acted an important part in the affairs of men. Add to these the innumerable instances where, though not directly mentioned, yet evidently the angels were present, and we begin to have some conception of the prominent part which they have to act in God's work upon earth. If this was so in Bible times, is it not so now? Why not?

THE ANGELS EXECUTE GOD'S JUDGMENT UPON THE WICKED.

But while the angels are thus messengers of mercy to those who do good, they are also messengers of wrath to those who do evil. Thus the Lord commissioned angels to go and destroy Sodom. The angel said to Lot, "We will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it." Gen. 19:13. When Balaam went to prophesy against Israel, the Lord sent his angel to slay him. Num. 22:22. So when David had sinned, the Lord sent his angel to destroy Jerusalem. 1 Chron. 21:14-30. When the Assyrians had blasphemed God, “The Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. 2 Chron. 32:21. When Herod was exalted in himseif, and received praise as a god, immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost." Acts 12:23.

Indeed we have reason to believe that the sudden judgments which frequently overtake evil-doers, are executed upon them by the angels of God. When the gospel is closed, all the wicked are to be gathered by the angels and cast into the lake of fire. Thus Jesus says, “The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. As, therefore, the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. Matt. 13:39-42.