God’s Protectors || Angels Defined #2

Suppose you have paid attention in the church in any capacity or sung some of the most famous Christmas carols. In that case, you have probably heard of an angel before. We’ve seen their depictions in plays, Christmas cards, and scripture pictures on social media, but how many of you know what angels are designed to do. The Bible even gives us a representation of what an angel looks like, which I believe Hallmark would not approve of.

In our current series, I will define what an angel is and what they are designed to do. This series is called “Angels Defined.” My goal for this series is to help you understand the biblical concepts of what angels are, what angels do, and why they matter to you.

In part two, we’re talking about angels protecting God’s people.

Daniel 6:22

22          My God sent his angels to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

Listen to the confidence that Daniel has in God’s power. He’s found innocence with God, meaning his name was cleared with the almighty bringer of justice. He has not wronged the community around him. Because of that, God is going to protect him. Daniel wouldn’t avoid the possible danger but would be protected in the middle of all the danger. God protects us from all the danger we encounter, but that protection doesn’t equate to removing the danger. Protection exists in the middle of the danger.

Psalms 91:11-13

11          For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

12          They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

13          You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

One of the functions of angels is watching over believers. There’s no indication that God assigns an angel to each of us, but we know that the angels exist for our protection. As mentioned in Part 1, angels are God’s messengers. Divine guidance comes to the hearts that are prepared to receive it. God’s messages come to those who are ready to hear them. These spiritual beings are created under God’s authority. God assigns them the tasks to deliver messages to each of us.

Angels aren’t visible either, except on certain occasions. We see them take shape when the shepherds are alerted to Jesus’ birth in Luke 2.

Numbers 22:31

31          Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.

You may question how angels were protectors if they were prepared to fight Balaam with the sword. Well, this man was getting ready to send a curse on the Israelites. So, the angel was protecting someone. It was the Israelites. Yet, the angel was protecting Balaam from himself. He was protecting himself from potentially harming God’s chosen people. He was protected from turning away from God. The angel protected him from a potentially worse punishment. Balaam even fell on his face and repented of what he did. God had to communicate this to Balaam, but who would’ve thought it would include a talking donkey and a sword-drawn angel.

We don’t worship angels or need to become preoccupied with them. They are God’s servants, actively present at work in our world. We can follow them around without following them around. We don’t need to direct them on how to do their job. God gave them an assignment. The angels listen to their assignment. We don’t give assignments to the angels. The angels are to follow through with their task of relaying God’s message or defending us through the world’s issues.

Angels serve the believers, protect the helpless, proclaim God’s messages, and execute God’s judgment.

In the next part, we’ll talk about how angels offer encouragement. Until then, stay blessed!