THE ANGEL OF THE LORD

In the Old Testament we find numerous references to a heavenly messenger called "the Angel of the Lord." Twice He helped Hagar, the Egyptian slave girl, as she tried to find her way through the wilderness (Gen. 16:7; 21:17). He called from heaven, stopping Abraham as he was about to sacrifice Isaac on an altar (Gen. 22:11,12) and then spoke again, assuring the patriarch of God's covenant blessings (Gen. 22:15-18). He spoke to Abraham again in connection with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:1-19:1).

He accompanied Eliezer on his journey to Haran for Isaac's bride (Gen. 24:7,40). He appeared to Jacob, identifying Himself as the God of Bethel (Gen. 31:11-13). He wrestled with Jacob, drawing from this old warrior the declaration, "I have seen God face to face" (Gen. 32:24-30).

He spoke to Moses (Ex. 3:2-6), guided and guarded the Israelites (Ex. 13:21,22; 14:19), appeared to the prophet Balaam (Num. 22:22), declared Himself to be the "Commander of the army of the Lord" (Josh. 5:14,15). He spoke to the Israelites at Bochim (Judg. 2:1-5), to Gideon (Judg. 6:11-14), to Samson's parents (Judg. 13), and to David at the threshing floor of Ornan, where He also stopped a destroying angel (1 Chron. 21:15, 18,27).

He ministered to Elijah when he was fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kin. 19:5,7) and spoke to him on other occasions (2 Kin. 1:3,15). He killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (2 Kin. 19:35). He appeared as an authority figure in Zechariah 1:10, receiving a report from angels who patrolled the earth (Zech. 1:11).

Who is this Angel? All agree that He stands out among the angels and sometimes identifies Himself with God when He speaks. Some Bible scholars affirm that He is an angel through whom God manifested Himself in a unique way. Others are convinced that this Angel was the second person of the Trinity, making Himself visible long before He became a human baby who was born of the virgin Mary. That is why He could let Abraham call Him Lord and could speak with the authority of God (Gen. 18:16-33). That is why He could refer to His name as "wonderful," allow Samson's parents to offer a sacrifice to Him, and let them think they would die because they had seen God (Judg. 13:3-23). This perhaps also accounts for the fact that His appearances sometimes were terrifying and awesome--very similar to the portrayal of Christ in Revelation 1:12-19.

We believe "the Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament is indeed the second person of the Trinity. He, who is depicted in John 1:1 as the eternal Word, kept in close touch with His people during the Old Testament era. He appeared in human form. He spoke face to face with people. He showed them again and again that they were the objects of His love and care. Therefore the prophet could say, "In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old" (Is. 63:9).

We today do not need such visible tokens of His love, power, and presence. The New Testament Scriptures tell us the story of God's coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ to show us what He is like, to prove His love, and to provide salvation. The Holy Spirit will use this record to make God and His presence very real to us if we read it, believe it, and obey it.

THE PREEMINENCE OF JESUS CHRIST

In most cases, Christians are well enough informed to reject occultism, spiritism, astral healing, eastern mysticism, and other belief systems that are explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. However, the prominence of these beliefs and practices in our society has made an impact on the Christian community. Many believers are beginning to focus their attention on "spirit world" teaching. They place an emphasis on how to put the good angels to work for them. And they have developed formulas to cast out demons and defeat the devil.

The problem with this kind of teaching is that so little of it is drawn from the Scriptures. Experience takes precedence over the Bible. But an even greater problem with teaching that is preoccupied with the spirit world is that not enough emphasis is given to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul warned the believers in Colosse about false teachers who, in the guise of humility, said that we should be content to worship angels rather than thinking we have the right to enter the presence of God, the Ultimate One. The apostle said that such a teacher "goes into great detail about what he has seen" (Col. 2:18 NIV). But in his emphasis on his experiences, he "has lost connection with the Head" (v.19 NIV).

This lack of vital contact with Jesus Christ cuts a person off from the One who is the source of spiritual life and growth. Jesus Christ must be kept PREEMINENT, i.e. superior and notable above all others. He is to be worshiped as God. Angels are to be recognized as creatures--spirit beings created by God to worship and serve Him.

Hebrews 1:4-14 beautifully delineates the preeminence of Christ over the angels. He is the Son to whom all the angels are to give their worship (vv.5,6). He is called "God," and His throne is "forever and ever," while angels are created beings and His servants (vv.7-9). He existed from all eternity, will never change, and sits enthroned in heaven, whereas angels are "ministering spirits" who are sent out by Him to serve "those who will inherit salvation" (vv.10-14).

Jesus Christ is the Preeminent One. He is the Head of the church (Col. 2:18,19). He is worshiped by angels (Rev. 5:11,12). Someday every human, every good angel, and every demon will acknowledge Christ's supremacy (Phil. 2:10). Let's make Him preeminent in our lives today!

THINKING ABOUT IT

Is it necessary to believe in angels? The Bible mentions angels extensively (over 250 times) from Genesis to Revelation. Not only did Jesus refer to angels in His teaching, but the New Testament records that angels were present at Jesus' birth, resurrection, and ascension. Angels also ministered to Him after His temptation by Satan in the wilderness and in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to His arrest and crucifixion. Belief in the Bible, then, necessitates belief in the spirit world.

You may believe in angels but have never understood how knowing what God's Word says about them applies to your life. We hope this article has shown you that there are practical truths we can discover by learning more about them.

Are you searching for answers to questions about the reality of the spirit world? Instead of reading all the books that deal with this subject, consider what the Bible says about Jesus Christ. He existed in the spirit world as the eternal God. But 2,000 years ago He entered the physical world as a man to pay the penalty for our sin--death. He lived a perfect life and became our substitute when He was crucified on the cross. Then He rose from the dead to provide eternal life for all who would put their trust in Him. The apostle John wrote, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12). Put your trust in Christ. Angels serve Him, so should you.