God’s Guides || Angels Defined #4

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 four, we’re talking about angels giving guidance.

Exodus 14:19

19          Then the angel of God who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear to the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.

The people have been rescued from slavery in Egypt at this point. They are on the way to the Promised Land and are following God’s guidance to get them there. The angel moved to the guiding spot up front to the back. The pillar of the cloud, representing God, moved from the front and stood behind them. Why? So that God’s protection would be residing between them and the Egyptian camps. This is before God guides them through the Red Sea.

Exodus 13:21-22:

21          The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. The allowed them to travel by day or by night.

22          And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.

God gave the Hebrews a pillar of cloud and fire so they would know day and night that God was with them on their journey to the Promised Land. We have the Bible and the Holy Spirit to remind us of what the Bible says and guide us daily. The Hebrews looked to the pillars of cloud and fire, and we can look to God’s Word day and night to know he is with us, helping us on our journey.

The Israelites had what we call theophanies. Theophanies are God appearing in a physical form. Through this, God lighted the Israelite’s path, protected them, provided reassurance, controlled their movements, and inspired the burning passion that the people of Israel should have for God. God does the same thing for us. God lights our path (Psalm 119:105). God protects us from our enemies (Psalm 46:1). God provides us comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). God guides us through life. (Proverbs 20:24). God inspires us to go out and continue building the Kingdom of God worldwide (Matthew 28:16-20). As I mentioned above, we have the Bible to guide us each day. I referenced five passages above to describe what God does for us like he did the Israelites, but there are so many more principles to live by.

The Holy Spirit will teach us everything that is needed.

John 14:26

26          But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help them remember what he taught. This promise solidifies the New Testament. The disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ teachings, and the Holy Spirit helped them remember their perspectives. The Holy Spirit ensures our individual lives’ gifts, skills, and necessities. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. The Gospels accurately record what Jesus taught and did. The Holy Spirit can help us like he helped the disciples. We can trust him to plant truth in our minds, convince us of God’s will, and remind us if we walk off that path. The more we study scripture, the more the fundamental teachings lie within our hearts. The more it gets in our hearts, the more we can remember God’s plan for us and how he plans to use us. We’ll also feel the nudges from the Holy Spirit to get us back on the path God created for us. Pay attention to those nudges. See how God wants you to move.

In the next part, we’ll talk about the angels’ bringing punishments. Until then, stay blessed!