Angels All Around

One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Tuesday, January 15, 2013: Genesis 31:17-32:12

¹ Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. ² When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim.  Genesis 32:1-2 (NIV)

Underneath the entire Bible story is a hidden reality that surfaces from time to time.  It is the ministry of angels.  From Genesis to Revelation, they play an important role.  We should not get caught up in angelology like many New Agers are doing today, but nevertheless, angels are real and they are continually assisting God's people and God's purposes in the Bible.

Hebrews 1:14 says that angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation."  They are WORSHIPPERS around God's throne; they are WARRIORS who do battle with evil; and they are MESSENGERS from God to help us on our journey.  They give you direction; they provide your protection, and they carry blessing for you in their hands. In every crucial moment of God's unfolding purpose, they show up to bring strength, comfort, and re-inforcement.   After the severe encounter that Jesus had with the devil in the wilderness, Matt. 4:11 says that angesl came to Him and ministered to Him.

They do the same for us.  Even though we can't see them, they are there.  After Jacob passed a major test, Scripture says "the angels of God met him."  Jacob's father-in-law had pursued him with intent to harm.  In a showdown that could have gone bad, Jacob and Laban finally came to peace.  They came to covenant.  It is clear that while Jacob and Laban were in a contest of wills, the angels of God were standing near by.

God's angelic presence surrounds us.  His messengers, His warriors are near to help us.  As we commit our lives to DO THE WILL OF GOD, they will meet us in the way.  For Jacob, it was a sign to him that God was leading him and that he was headed toward DESTINY.

Angels play a large role in the story of the Patriarchs -- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  In tomorrow's passage, Jacob will meet an angel again.  It will be a WRESTLING MATCH.  In all these things, God is helping us in supernatural ways.  He is right now dispatching His heavenly armies to do battle in your behalf.  Therefore, we should take great courage.  The battle is the Lord's.  One might angel can knock out all your spiritual opposition in a moment. 

When Jacob saw the angels, he called it "God's camp".   God's troops had shown up.  Mahanaim!  If you had eyes to see it, you would probably see an encampment outside your door, too.  They are traveling with you on your journey toward destiny.