Unseen Messengers

Angels are talked about all throughout the Bible and are a vital part of the Christian and Jewish stories. So why don’t we talk about them anymore? And why are they so important? Denise McKinney explores these questions in the first week of our two-week series on Angels.

Unseen Messengers

Angels | Week 1

October 8, 2017 | Denise McKinney

Why talk about angels?

They are actually a big part of the Jewish-Christian story.
We don’t talk about angels like we used to.
Lots of people believe still believe in angels today.

What do we know about angels?

They are also created beings, but different than us.
They can appear in different forms

Why does it matter?

2 Kings 6:8-17 (NIV)

Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him. The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Why does it matter?

They are active and working for our good in the world.
They point us to God.
They confirm God’s presence.
They are spiritual and tangible reminders of God’s love

So what should we do with this understanding?