Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)
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Generally, angels are depicted as cute little beings, sweet but goofy older individuals (waiting to gain their wings--It's a Wonderful Life), or fashionable men or women surrounded by a halo of golden light (Touched by an Angel).
Through these stories, we envision angels as messengers of hope, and also of death. They help us find our purpose (Clarence).
If not on the television or the big screen, we see these little cuties filling the aisles at Christmas time in all sizes and sparkles. Some for the door, one for the top of the tree, and perhaps a few for the windowsills. Most people welcome their presence--as characters in a world where we need a little hope, light, and laughter.
It isn't that society at large believes angels are real any more than they believe Santa Claus will invite us to his home at the North Pole any time soon. They're just a nice idea. An escape from all of the heartache we see around us.
As Christ followers, we know angels are, in fact, real. They're created by God, just as we are. It's just difficult to describe someone, or something, we haven't seen and have only had descriptions of.
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As depicted on film, these creatures are messengers. They are also warriors, guardians, and wait on their marching orders to execute justice for their Creator.
I can't imagine they're frightening to look at, although likely magnificently jaw-dropping. Mary was unafraid when approached by the angel Gabriel. But then, John fell to the ground at the angel's feet when visited at Patmos, but the angel said, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God" (Revelation 22:9 ESV).
God alone is to be feared. God alone is to be worshiped.
And yet, there is so much in Scripture to tell us that God has created these warriors and has assigned them tasks, they implement and execute them, and we will one day judge them (1 Corinthians 6:3).
Every so often, we may hear a story of a heroic rescue by a stranger who seems to vanish into thin air. Others may share a story of being awakened by what they can only describe as "unearthly" and subsequently experiencing a miracle they didn't know they needed.
This brings us to Elisha's servant (2 Kings 6:8-23). The Syrian king had plotted to attack Israel, but his plans would be thwarted by Israel's preparedness. The incidents were so often, the king believed he had a traitor among his men. Then one of them spoke, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom" (v.12).
With this new knowledge and the prophet's location, the Syrian king sent his army to Dothan. Their mission: take down the man of God.
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In the morning, Elisha's servant stepped outside and saw the Syrian army surrounding their home. Fear struck his heart. He alerted the prophet, who didn't seem to flinch. He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (v.16).
Can you imagine the servant? Could the prophet have been more wrong? Maybe he forgot how to count!
But Elisha prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see" (v.17a).
And the eyes of the servant were opened. What his vision beheld would have left me speechless. "The mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (v.17b).
Not a single shot occurred. No weapon saw action. But the might--and humor--of the LORD was on display that morning. Elisha prayed two more times. First, for the Syrian soldiers to lose their sight. And then for them to regain their sight. Without the ability to see, Elisha was able to lead them to Samaria, where the Israeli army camped. Elisha encouraged the king to give them food and be refreshed so they could return home.
In this account are several truths we can glean. More than we can see, I am certain.
One of the main points, here though, is this: We have no need to fear. It doesn't matter whether it's relatively small or large; God is always with us.
Is it cancer? The IRS? Job security?
God does not incite fear. Satan does. The Apostle Paul tells us, "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul also says to the Romans "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15).
Dial back to King Jehoshaphat's day. The men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir were coming to attack and destroy Judah. King Jehoshaphat cried out to the LORD on behalf of the nation. Then the LORD sent word to the people through Zechariah, who said the following:
"Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow, go down against them ... You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you" (2 Chronicles 20:15-17).
And HE never changes. His promises have no expiration date hidden in tiny print at the end.
We have nothing to fear when God is on our side.
Until next time, let's celebrate HIS goodness! 💜 Karlene J 💜
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