If you are a genuine follower of Jesus Christ, it is quite likely that, most of the time, you are in a crowd (“two’s company and three’s a crowd”).
I lately read about Jacob’s peaceful departure from his uncle and father-in-law, Laban, in the New Living Translation of Genesis 31:55—32:3:
55 [a]Laban got up early the next morning, and he kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.
Genesis 32
1 [b]As Jacob started on his way again, angels of God came to meet him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, “This is God’s camp!” So he named the place Mahanaim.[c]
Jacob Sends Gifts to Esau
3 Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the land of Edom.
The author mentions the accompaniment of the angels in passing, rather casually. Jacob does “exclaim” his awareness of the God-sent bodyguard, but the text almost seems to be included more for the explanation of the origin of the location’s name.
It got me to thinking about the “ordinariness” of angels’ presence around the people of God. Satan was aware of this, and tempted the Lord by quoting from Psalm 91 (see Matthew 4):
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
The writer of Hebrews identifies angels as having a very specific mission:
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
The same author (Hebrews 13:1-3) reveals his awareness of the real possibility of angels’ interaction with us when he admonishes to treat strangers hospitably.
Okay, so how do I come up with the “crowd”? First, there is the believer. Second, God Himself indwells His adopted children. Third, it is very likely that the Father has charged one or more of His angels to hang around with you so you don’t get into serious trouble. You, Almighty God, and one or more of His servants make “a crowd” of three.
(I just remembered another mind-blowing truth: Jesus said that the angels of “little ones” are constantly in the presence of the Father -- Matthew 18:9-11. How is that for high-ranking guardians?!!)
So What? – Response Possibilities
Let me suggest just a few possible differences this might initiate in your life, as you choose to allow truth to mold you:
- We would do rightly to praise and thank God for His watchful care of us expressed in His commissioning the angels to serve us.
- We do well to remember that we often have observers. Not only are all things open and laid bare before Him with Whom we have to deal, but spiritual beings are constantly watching our deeds, as well.
- We can make the angels’ job easier by paying attention to the risks around us, living with awareness of the physical and spiritual traps that abound on our fallen planet and in our paths.
- How about your thoughts on living in light of the reality of angels around you? Tell me what you think at paulhanssen@yahoo.com
