ANGELS: GOD'S SECRET SERVICE AGENTS

"The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." - Psalm 34:7

As humans, we have a desire for security. Self-preservation is a common aspect of the human condition. We desire protection. Some seek protection through the accumulation of firearms. Others seek protection through an expensive security system. A guard dog is often used as a form of security. Large businesses actually hire people to serve as security. Our nation has a military that is constantly guarding our country.

Famous people, like actors and musicians, may hire bodyguards to keep them safe. Of course, the average man cannot afford this kind of security.

The President of the United States is protected by our government. The Secret Service has agents assigned to travel with the President. Their job is to shield the Commander and Chief as he circulates in public. A secret service agent has a dangerous job.  It is his task to keep the President safe, and if necessary, be a human shield and take a bullet to protect the President.

Do you know that the followers of Jesus have secret service agents? No, they aren't paid for by our tax dollars. Instead, God has created angels to provide security for us.

Many people are mystified about angels. Unfortunately most Christians have an incorrect view of angels. Many learn from songs, TV programs and fictional stories about angels. The Bible is the only real reliable source for us to refer to about angels. The Bible has much to say about this subject.

1. ANGELS ARE CREATED BEINGS

First of all, angels are not divine. They are created beings. God created angels. He created them for a specific purpose.

2. ANGELS SHOULD NOT BE WORSHIPED

In the Scriptures, we find men kneeling before angels. When they did, they were reminded not to worship angels, but instead, worship the Lord. I find too many people have a more worshipful attitude about angels than they do about the Lord Himself. This is idolatry.

3. ANGELS ARE MINISTERS

One of the assignments that the angels are given is to minister to us. Hebrews 1:14 teaches us this. In fact, Hebrews chapter 1 has much to say about angels. Take time to reach this powerful chapter of the Bible.

4. ANGELS ARE ASSIGNED

Jesus said, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” This verse seems to indicate a specific assignment of angels for individual people.

5. ANGELS MAY TAKE DIFFERENT FORMS

In Biblical days, there were times that angels took a human form and were visually seen by others. At other times, angels took human form and were not distinguished as angels. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Most of the time, angels are unseen. Their job is not to make much of themselves, but to simply obey God.

6. ANGELS PROVIDE PROTECTION

Angels provide us protection. Well, at least one angel does. Our text, Psalm 34:7, teaches us: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Just as the President is guarded by the Secret Service, God has a secret service agent agent assigned for your protection. Can you think of times that your life was spared? You have the Lord to thank for that. He may have used an angel to provide that protection. Angels operate at God's command, so the real praise for such deliverance belongs unto the Lord.

Keep in mind that angels may not always spare us from the consequences that arise from our foolish decisions. Sometimes we must reap what we've sown.

7. ANGELS TRANSPORT BELIEVERS TO PARADISE

At least this happened to Lazarus in Luke 16:22. We tend to think that such is the case for other believers as well. To have an angelic transport to glory is a precious event in our future. I think this also teaches us that the angelic protection is not meant to keep us immortal on this earth. There is an appointed day when we will leave this world. If Luke 16:22 is symbolic of all believers, then we realize that we'll have an angelic departure, and our transition will be safe and secure.

Angels are God's secret service agents, operating at His beckoning call. There's no doubt that each of us have been protected by their intervention.

Thank God for these ministering spirits called angels!