Angels Are Ever Present To Guide Us On Our Journey
The Bible has much to say about an curtained world that is deeper real than the conspicuous kingdom we currently operate in - within 'fleshly tents' that we know of as 'our bodies.' This realm comprises of a commonwealth of light & of a kingdom of darkness that is perpetually at battle. How numerous people envision the effects of this particular & individual dominion on our everyday, breathing, walking around lives?
This is a province not apparent by our physical eyes. Specifically, the sphere of God is a rarefied commonwealth & not perceptible because God is not distinguishable. God is Himself, Spirit. Jesus Christ Himself said of His own commonwealth: "the commonwealth of God is within you." Luke 17:21.
'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not apparent. By faith we conceive that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are perceptible were not made of things which are detectable.' Heb. 11:1 & 3.
"'Then He (Jesus) will also say to those on the left hand, 'depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil & his angels:'" Matt 25:41
'For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against rarefied hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.' Eph. 6:12
The above scripture provides quite a image for us, highlighting the systematic nature of the invisible realm & the descending order of authority of specified invisible beings with varying levels of responsibility. Beyond 'flesh & blood' we wrestle principalities, powers, rulers & hosts of wickedness. To 'wrestle' means to fight by gripping & pushing at times using certain holds to force the opponent onto the mat.
Paul the Apostle had the incident numerous times of being gripped & pushed with specific holds. He knew number one-hand of being 'on the mat.' He had been shipwrecked, stoned, beaten, whipped, imprisoned, left for spiritless & incarcerated. So it is for every believer who will in their lifetime see resistance that comes in the form of principalities & powers in the invisible dimension.
As there are principalities & powers, so too do the angels have archangels & higher powers. In God's tremendous order, He uses the prayers of His on people to restrain malevolent activity & to facilitate the activities of angelic powers to confront & overcome otherworldly hosts of wickedness.
Demonstrations of this is very crystal clear in the book of Daniel 10:10 -14 when Daniel's prayers were initially resisted by an evil angel in the heavens whom was acting out his assignment: to hold the captive Israelites from returning to their homeland. Daniel's prayers were ushered through with the assistance of Michael, a ruling archangel:
'He raised me to my hands & knees & then said "Daniel, your God thinks very highly of you, & he has sent me. So stand up & pay imminent attention." I stood trembling, while the angel spoke:
"Daniel, don't be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the basic day you humbly asked for understanding and he has sent me here. The guardian angel of Persia has withstood me for twenty-one days. Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia. Now I have come here to give you another vision about what will happen to your people in the future.'"
This insightful passage highlights for us the powerful influence that angelic beings exercise over national issues & the affairs of ordinary men. Noteworthy also is the premise of imbibing Gods own people with visions. How amazing for us to realize that our earthly struggles in the temporal realm are often a reflection of vigorous conflict in the heavenly, eternal province.
How tremendous to know that the angels, our invisible hosts perpetuate a myriad ministry, as, described in Ps. 103:20, 21 being service, facilitating his plans, to heed the voice of Gods own as spoken through the believers on earth, to minister, to do His will.
'Praise the Lord, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out divine plans, listening for each & every command. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him & do his will! Ps. 103:20, 21.
A approved Psalm & prayer for protection & solace for bountious is Psalm 91 which offers much comfort on the personal activity of guardian angels.
'For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go.' Ps. 91:11
Angels known as Seraphim are declared in Isaiah 6:2. These are consistent in that Seraphim glorify God, hover over the throne of God & supervise the worship in Heaven.
'Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew.' Isaiah 6:2
Angels known as Cherubim appear as divine guards in the scriptures as in the case of the Garden of Eden. They also appear in conjunction with the presence & departure of the glory of God.
'He drove the man out, and at the east of the garden of Eden he stationed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.' Gen.3:24
Jesus Christ Himself was in the presence of angels at His birth, at the forty-day fast, at His betrayal, at the Resurrection, His Ascension to heaven, & His Second Coming. Satan Himself was an angel whom fell into pride.
Angels escort & attend to believers into God's presence at death & also gather His own to Christ at His marvellous return.
'The poor man died, and angels took him to the place of honor next to Abraham.' Luke 16:22
Immediately present in our midst are the extensive work & ministry of angels: free-willed spirit beings who live eternally - possessors of superhuman intelligence & power functioning with infinite purposes - are our everyday, invisible hosts - a steadfast & very present reality.