Reflections::-

The Roles of Angels towards Christ - Part 2

Bro. David Samson, Mumbai

The Role of Witnessing Christ
In the past Daniel's prayer brought down the angel of the Lord from heaven too this earth. But the birth of the Baby - Lord Jesus Christ - brought down multitudes of angels from heaven on this planet earth, Luke 2:8-14.
     The first angel that appeared was Gabriel. He gave the glad announcement to the shepherds in the field, (Luke 2:9-10), and preached the first Gospel concerning Christ's birth, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord", (Luk 2:11)
     After witnessing about the Good News - the Message of the birth of the Saviours, a chorus of angels joined him (Gabriel) and gave an anthem of praise, (Luke 2:13-14).
     Thus, the angels of the Lord witnessed about Christ and opened their mouths and gave praises to Him.
The Role of Ministering Christ:
During the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, you will see angels ministering Him, strengthening Him, witnessing about Him throughout His ministry, accept at one event, (cf. Matt 4:11; 28:2; Luk 22:43; Acts 1:10). In future also we will see them serving the Lord, (cf. 1Thess 4:16; Rev 19: 11 - 17).
     But there was one very important event in the earthly ministry of Jesus, where you will not see an angel to assist Christ. That was when our Lord Jesus Christ was on the Cross of Calvary. When Jesus was dying for the sins of the whole world, baring our sins upon His body on the Cross, angles remained silent.
     In fact, they were not permitted to go and help Him out or fight for Him. Remember, He had the power to pray to His Father and call legions of angels for His support, (Matthew 26:53 ). In past angels have been sent not only to support, even to attack and destroy, (Exo 12: 29, 30; 2Sam 24: 16, 17; 2Kings 6:17; 19: 35).
     This proved Christ's love towards sinners like you and me. Heavenly hosts remained silent when Jesus was on the Cross bearing the punishment of the sins of the whole world all alone.
     All these three roles that angels had in the past, are example for us. Our Lord Jesus Christ was made little lower than the angels, (Heb 2:9). Today, we are lesser than angels, but a day will come when we will be greater than angels, and angels will minister us.
Worship Him
Angels are not just messengers. They are also warriors, protectors, and worshipers of God. In the book of Revelation, we see angels waging war against the forces of evil, (Rev 12:7). In Psalms, we hear of angels protecting God's people, (Psalm 91:11). And throughout the Bible, we see angels worshiping God, singing praises to His name (Rev 5:11-12).
     So as believers we need to Worship Him. Not just on Sunday, but every day is a day to worship Him for what He has done.
Watch Him
We need to watch Him every day. Let our focus be on Christ alone and not the world. When Peter's eyes were focused on the Lord, he was able to walk on the sea. When he lost that focus, he began to drown in to the sea.
Witness Him
As believers we need to witness Christ every day. This is an important responsibility which the Lord has given to His church. C. H. Spurgeon said, "It is the whole business of the whole church to preach the whole gospel to the whole world." He also said, "Ho, that my memorial might be, "He preached Christ Crucified." Glory to God the Father for His sacrificial gift of His Beloved Son Lord Jesus Christ.

G&P