Heart of an Intercessor ~ God is passing by, what is He saying?

Fear the Messenger? Part 2

Last week we looked at how angels are given permission from God to touch humans physically, and even to kill Gods’ enemies.  On the flip side, can angels give believers physical strength and blessings?

In response to that question, Archangel Raphael is associated with healing as the angel mentioned in the Gospel of John, stirring the water at the healing pool of Bethesda.  For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.  John 5:4.

If you recall, I had an encounter with this angel via a dream.  In a nutshell, my husband and I were running with labels on our heads.  We made it to our destination, where a table was setup for dinner.  A messenger/delivery man met us there, it was evening and he had to return the way he came.  I knew he came up the same road only behind us.  I offered him a meal and fixed him a snack before he left.  Upon waking I thought of Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

I sensed the messenger was an angel after thinking of the scripture in Hebrews.  So, I figured I would ask the Lord the name of the angel, maybe He would tell me…As soon as I asked, I heard ‘Raphael.’  I didn't think any more about it because I could not find the name Raphael in my Christian Bible.  Then a month later, I read a book titled Dream Language by James and Michal Ann Goll (page 54) says that a Jewish prayer calls upon Raphael, the Angel of Healing. The prayer says "…on your right side is Michael…on your left side is Gabriel…before you is Uriel (the Angel of Light) and behind you is Raphael (the Angel of Healing)."   Me not knowing who Raphael was speaks to a mystery God resolved along with a message of hope for my healing

In another example, we see the angel Gabriel touching then, strengthening the prophet, Daniel. 

Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.

Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.  And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not!  Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”  So, when he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”  Daniel 10:11-12, 18-19. 

The beloved prophet, Elijah escaped from Jezebel and being exhausted, an angel appears bearing the blessing of food.  Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So, he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 1 Kings 19:5-7.

Of course, we have current true accounts of physical blessings brought by angels.  Such as Wanda’s account currently under Spirit Sightings & The Miraculous. “I have seen my angel, several times, his back and his side, to the point I even followed him into the hall, but he had vanished. Each time he touched me on my right arm I woke up…The next morning, I began to use my arm and can do nearly everything I want.”

And, we have our best example in our Savior’s prayer in the garden: He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. Luke 22:41-43.

We see from all of these true examples, that we are to welcome angels, receive them, entertain them, believe them and obey them.  In doing so, they could impart from the Lord strength, emotionally and physically, as well as healing and blessings! 

5/8/24 Fear the Messenger?

We are to fear God (Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God…1 Peter 2:17), but are we to fear the messengers of God?  There is no other simpler reaction to seeing a holy heavenly messenger, then to fear them, as in the fear of the Lord.  Nonetheless, is this the correct response to an other-worldly interaction?   

My initial response to my question was definitely ‘yes’, I would fear a heavenly messenger or at least have great caution in their presence.  But then I started looking at the scriptures and I got a different picture of what my attitude should be.  Let me show you what I found.

First, by looking at Exodus 23 the Lord God commanded Israel that they should beware of the Angel, to obey his voice, and do not provoke him, for he will not forgive such behavior.  Dr. David Jeremiah notes: "This angel was definitely a cut above ordinary angels, for God's very 'Name' was in him. Also, he could forgive sins -- and 'who can forgive sins but God alone?' (Mark 2:7). The Angel of the Lord was personally guiding the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land."

Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. Exodus 23:20.

Because the context of this verse suggests the Angel is God Himself, and the word ‘beware’ of Him is used, it is natural to respond in a God-fearing way if we would encounter such a visitation!

But then there are other instances with angels that are to be studied.  For instance, in Luke when Zacharias received a visitation.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John…”

And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”  Luke 1:11-20.

Zacharias’s natural reaction to seeing the angel was fear!  But the angel told him to fear not; and then, proceeded to announce the exciting news of John the Baptist’s birth.  Then, Zacharias scoffed in his response and the angel smote him by taking away his ability to speak.  Did you see that?  An angel is given the permission to touch us physically causing an affliction because of unbelief. 

Another account: Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn into your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” Genesis 19:1-2.

Lot was not afraid of the angelic visitors but asked them to stay with him.  Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.  When the townsmen noticed the visitors, they rose up against Lot and company. 

Now, look what happened to the ‘heathen’ who sought to hurt Lot, his daughters and their heavenly visitors: But the men (the two angels) reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.  Genesis 19:10-11.  Bam!  Blindness…no messing around with these angels!

Notice though, there was no advance warning from the angels of the coming affliction.  This can be seen again several times in the scriptures when they were dealing with God’s enemies and bringing to pass His righteous judgments.

Then the LORD sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. 2 Chronicles 32:21.

So, on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.   Acts 12:21-23.

After looking at the above scriptures, we can see that angels are given permission from God to touch humans physically, and even to kill Gods’ enemies.  So, if I were an enemy of the Lord, I would definitely fear the messenger!  But since I am a God-fearing believer in Jesus, I have no reason to fear an encounter...unless, I don’t believe them!

Next week, we will look at the flipside to see if God’s angels can bless our bodies.

5/1/24 The Angel of the Lord ~ The Angel of His Presence, Part 2

If we read the full account of each appearance of the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament, we find that the appearance to a human elicits worship.  Except in the case of Balaam, though I might add that his donkey bowed down before the Angel of the Lord!  And none of those were rebuked by the Angel for their worship.  

Which leads to the fact that we are not worship angels, only God…and when they have appeared being sent from the Lord, they tell us not to worship themselves.  And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!  Revelation 19:10.

Another clue as to the true identity of Angel of the Lord is that His appearance stopped with Christ’s birth.  So, who is the Angel of the Lord?  Well, we know it’s not God the Father, because no one has seen God face-to-face.

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.  John 1:18.

So, it must be Jesus before He came to this earth as our Savior.

“There are angels—and then there’s The Angel. Now we come to the greatest mystery of all the one who is called “the Angel of the Lord.”  By looking at the Angel of the Lord we’re in some definite way looking at God. And God, as we know, is set apart from angels just as He is from all the rest of creation. Could He Be Christ? It seems highly possible that in the Old Testament, Christ came to earth in the form of an Angel—the greatest Angel. Appearances of the Angel of the Lord ceased after the birth of Jesus Christ—a further bit of evidence that he may indeed have been that angel. No doubt you’ve already noticed that often in an Old Testament passage the “Angel” who’s speaking is identified directly with God himself. The Angel seems not just to be from the Lord, but actually to be the Lord.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

I found it interesting that in Isaiah the expression “Angel of His Presence” appears only once in the entire scriptures. Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them; in His love and in His pity, He redeemed them; and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.

The context of this verse suggests comfort to the Lord’s people, even through their disobedience.  Though this is before Christ and the Holy Spirit coming, perhaps the Angel of His Presence is both Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit does for us redeemed sinners today…the Great Comforter?  

“The Holy Spirit, as in Isaiah 63:9-10, is the Angel of God’s Presence. The context in which Isaiah uses this phrase shows us plainly that this Angel is no ordinary angel; the Angel of His Presence is God Himself. Calling Him, an angel does not mean He is one amongst the many angels in heaven; instead, it means, He is a Carrier or Messenger (the meaning of the word “angel” here) of God’s Presence in the same way that Jesus, the Word of God, is the Messenger of God’s Word (John 10:36).”   Who is the Angel of His Presence? patrickoben.com.

As we conclude this section on the Angel of the Lord, I hope you feel as blessed as I knowing that Jesus, King of Angels, is our Savior and Deliverer and that we have the Holy Spirit as our Great Comforter!

The Angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them.  Psalm 34:7.

4/24/24 The Angel of the Lord 

The Angel of the Lord, the Angel of the Lord, the Angel of the Lord!  We have made it to the top of God’s Angelic Host, and who do we find, but the Angel of the Lord.  Also known as the Angel of His Presence, the Angel of God.  Who is the Angel of the Lord?

If we look at the scriptures, we see that the Angel of the Lord is different than an angel from the Lord.  But what is the difference?  I believe it is Gods’ presence that He makes known to a human for the delivery of a very important message.  Before we go further, let’s take our shoes off.

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”  Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.”  And Joshua did so.  Joshua 5:14-15.

I think it would be a good idea to take a look at some scripture to see if we can find a pattern of when the Angel of the Lord appears.  The first appearance is with Hagar.

And the Angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur…And the Angel of the LORD said unto her, return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands…And the Angel of the LORD said unto her, “I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.”…And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.  Genesis 16:7-12.

The Angel proclaimed He would make of Ishmael, Hagar’s son, a great nation (Arabs) because he was of the seed of Abraham. However, the Angel of the Lord told Hagar that her son would be living in conflict with his relatives. 

Then, just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Isaac, he was interrupted by the Angel of the Lord.  For his obedience he received another promise of numerous descendants and abundant prosperity.

And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son…But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”…and He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”…Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”  Genesis 22:10–18.

In Genesis 28 the Angel of God appears to Jacob, speaking to him in a dream of a ladder with ascending and descending angels.  Again, in chapter 31, the Lord in both dreams confirmed the blessing that was upon Jacob, which would result in the birth of Israel and the tribes of Israel, setting in motion the future of the Jewish people.

Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.  And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac.”  Genesis 28:12.

Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’  And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Genesis 31:11-13.

And who can forget the story of Moses and the burning bush? 

Now Moses was tending the flock… And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush…God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”…Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”  Moreover, He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 3:1-6.

The Lord Himself proclaimed who the Angel of the Lord was to Moses.  Because Moses ‘is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush.’  Acts 7:35.

He is seen again in Exodus, protecting and guiding the bourgeoning Jewish people…the work of His Hands.

And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them.  Exodus 14:19.

Now, we come to a really cool event where an animal sees the Angel of the Lord before her owner.  Proving how discerning of the spiritual realm that animals truly are!  Then God’s anger was aroused because he (Balaam) went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him…And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so, Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff.  Numbers 22:22, 27.

“God performed a two-step miracle of opening what was closed.  First, he opened the donkey’s mouth and let her speak. Balaam was enough beside himself with fury that he fell right into an argument with her. “If I had a sword in my hand,” he told her, “I would kill you right now” (Numbers 22:29). Step Two: God opened Balaam’s eyes to see where a sword really was—and whose hand it was in. “He saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn” (22:31).”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

I could go on as there are additional verses in the OT that portray the Angel of God appearing to guide and instruct His people including Gideon Judges 6:20-22, Manoah and his wife (parents of Sampson) in Judges 13:6, and David in Zechariah 12:8.

We will conclude the Angel of the Lord next week. 

4/17/24 Government of Angels ~ Seraphim

We are almost at the top of the angelic ladder where we encounter spiritual beings that service the Holy, Uncreated One.  As such, we see their names in scripture less frequently, I believe because they minister to God and not to mankind.  The angels we see most often in the scriptures are those closest to humanity; that attend to people.

The section of scripture that talks of the seraphim is Isaiah 6:1-7.  These are the highest order of His Host and serve as guardians or attendants before God’s throne.  This is the only Bible verse where they are referenced.  They praise God, calling, “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts. The whole earth is full of His glory!” 

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.  Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one cried to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts.
The whole earth is full of His glory!”

And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.  So, I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone!  Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar.  And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.”  Isaiah 6:1-7.

What’s interesting to note about seraphim is that they have six wings.  Two of their wings cover their faces, two cover their feet and the other two are for flying.  This gives us an interesting picture, as they have hands and feet like we do.  Since we are made in the image of God, and because a little lower than angels, perhaps the seraphim are also made in the image of God!  Interesting thought, anyway.

“On the last day of creation, God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Thus, He finished His work with a “personal touch.” God formed Adam from the dust and gave him life by sharing His own breath (Genesis 2:7). Accordingly, humanity is unique among all God’s creations, having both a material body and an immaterial soul/spirit.” What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God.org

You have made him a little lower than the angels… Hebrews 2:7.

It is the seraphim's job to proclaim the holiness and glory of God as seen in Isaiah 6:3. Notice also, when they speak, the house is shaken, and filled with smoke, which indicates a source of power given to them from the Lord of Hosts.  And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. Vs 4.

In addition, the Lord has given them the ability to heal and purge in anointing and preparing the prophet for service.  Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar.  And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.”  Isaiah 6:6-7.  We see how their name represents an attribute of God, burning and purging as the seraphim did to Isaiah. 

“The name seraph means “burning one” or “shining one” (reminding us again that God makes his angels “flames of fire”—Psalm 104:4, Hebrews 1:7).  The seraphim dwell so close to the presence of God that they burn with holy brilliance.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

Just as Isaiah said he is undone by what he has seen, we too, would be so undone that we would be no earthly good.  I could imagine all I would want to do is to be with the Lord and not finish His work on earth.  If we were given too much information or shown many heavenly things, we would not be long for this world!  We would desire to be with the Lord in His glory!  Again, another reason why we are not given the full scoop on the highest of the angelic order.  Sing with me:

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.  Philippians 3:8.

There is one more rung on the angelic ladder and that is The Angel of the Lord.  That is our topic next week.  Until then, keep singing!

4/10/24 Government of Angels ~ Cherubim

I can honestly say the higher I climb up the angelic ladder, the less important life here on earth seems to mean.  Perhaps that is why we humans are limited in our understanding of this realm.  We would become no earthly good!  But, to glimpse the glory of God’s majesty through the lens of His angelic beings is surprisingly comforting.

Next, “in the angelic hierarchy comes Cherubim. These angels are powerful celestial beings with four faces—that of a man, an ox, a lion, and an eagle, each respective face representing man, domestic animals, wild animals, and aviary creatures. They possess four wings covered with eyes, the body of a lion, and ox’s feet and are guardians of God’s glory. In the New Testament, they are often considered to be celestial attendants in the Apocalypse, referenced in in Revelation 4-6.”  The Throne Room of Heaven - After these - Bible Gateway.

Their name means "winged angel” and one who blesses.  In Ezekiel’s vision of God (Ez. 1), their appearance is fully described and quite strange I might add!  Ezekiel’s Vision of God.

Cherubim are first introduced to us in Genesis 3:22-24 as the first angelic beings mentioned in Scripture. Cherubim guarded Eden’s gate with a flaming sword after Adam’s fall.  Then, in Exodus 25:8-22, Exodus 26:31 and Exodus 36:8 concerning the building of the Ark of the Testimony with their images on the mercy seat, the veil, the curtains and in the temple. 

Cherubim were in the temple when David’s son Solomon built the temple to replace the tabernacle; cherubim were again featured in the furnishing, but this time even more so. The temple followed closely the pattern God had shown Moses for the tabernacle in 1 Chronicles 28:11-12”.  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

Also, when the Ark was brought into the Temple: Then the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the temple, to the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. 1 Kings 8:6-7.

“A different glimpse of the cherubim comes in David’s song of praise and victory in 2 Samuel 22, when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.”  It’s an amazing picture of the cherubim actually carrying God’s presence down to David’s rescue: He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. (22:10-11).

Could the heavenly beings in Zechariah be cherubim as they are also seen coming with the wind?  Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven.  Zechariah 5:9.

Then, in Ezekiel as “flaming rotating rings, covered with eyes representing the steadfastness of the love of God as they contemplate God‘s power and judgment, and they appear as the most, unlike the others when revealed.”

Ezekiel 10:9-17:  And when I looked, there were four wheels by the cherubim, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by each other cherub; the wheels appeared to have the color of a beryl stone. ¹⁰ As for their appearance, all four looked alike—as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel. ¹¹ When they went, they went toward any of their four directions; they did not turn aside when they went, but followed in the direction the head was facing. They did not turn aside when they went. ¹² And their whole body, with their back, their hands, their wings, and the wheels that the four had, were full of eyes all around. ¹³ As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, “Wheel.”

¹⁴ Each one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, the second face the face of a man, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. ¹⁵ And the cherubim were lifted up. This was the living creature I saw by the River Chebar. ¹⁶ When the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also did not turn from beside them. ¹⁷ When the cherubim stood still, the wheels stood still, and when one was lifted up, the other lifted itself up, for the spirit of the living creature was in them.

I will end this post with a quote from the Books of Enoch where he was shown great and mighty things: “And those two men lifted me up from there on to the seventh heaven, and I saw there a very great light, and fiery troops of great Archangels, incorporeal forces, and dominions, orders and governments, Cherubim and Seraphim, thrones and many-eyed ones…I became afraid, and began to tremble with great terror, and those men took me, and led me after them, and said to me: “Have courage, Enoch, do not fear”, and showed me the Lord from afar, sitting on His very high throne.

And the Cherubim and Seraphim standing around the throne, and the six-winged and many-eyed ones do not depart, standing before the Lord’s face doing his will, and cover his whole throne, singing with gentle voice before the Lord’s face: Holy, holy, holy, Lord Ruler of Sabaoth (host/army), heavens and earth are full of Your glory.”  Chapter 20 1, Chapter 21 1.  Lumpkin, Joseph. The Books of Enoch: The Angels, The Watchers and The Nephilim.

We are almost to the top, next week we get a glimpse of Seraphim.  

4/3/24 Government of Angels ~ Thrones

As we ascend further up the angelic ladder that God has created, we encounter spiritual beings that minister to God instead of man.  For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding… Colossians 1:9.

“Thomas Aquinas in his ‘Summa Theologica’, listed angels into three hierarchies, each further divided into three orders. The first hierarchy is that of the order of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The second hierarchy contains the orders of Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities, and the third hierarchy holds the order of Archangels and Angels. These were the same hierarchy that Pope Gregory the First accepted in the sixth century.” Does the Bible Show an Angel Hierarchy? (christianity.com)

The next ladder rung of the celestial heavenly host is something called Thrones.  Although there are many thrones spoken of in the Bible, the thrones of men and kings, the thrones of God, and the thrones for judgment.

For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Psalm 122:5.

Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and take off their embroidered garments; they will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment, and be astonished at you. Ezekiel 26:16.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. Luke 1:52.

“…that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22:30.

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Revelation 20:4.

But these thrones are different, and, of course somewhat of a mystery.  In any event, the Lord has given us a glimpse into the hierarchy of His Angelic organization.  The thrones are a class of angels mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:16. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.

“The Bible describes thrones angels on the council of God...thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.  Daniel 7:9.  As for the name ‘thrones’, Calvin said perhaps it’s used for angels “because the glory of God in some measure dwells in them.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool.  His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire…

“Thrones angels are filled with brilliant that reflects the brilliance of God's wisdom and that enlightens their minds. All the angels who have direct access to God's throne in heaven, that is the thrones angels, the cherubim, and seraphim, exude light so bright that it's compared to fire or gemstones that reflect the light of God's glory in his dwelling place. The Thrones angels, who rank third in the most common angelic hierarchy, join angels from the first two ranks, the seraphim and the cherubim, on God's council of angels in heaven.”  Thrones Angels in the Christian Angel Hierarchy (learnreligions.com).

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; He is more awesome than all who surround Him. Psalm 89:7.

Again, I am reminded of the song by Michael W. Smith, "Above All": Though we are curious about angels, His preeminence is to be esteemed. 

Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

Next week, we will continue with understanding more of the angelic organization, Cherubim.

3/27/24 Government of Angels ~ Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities

As we continue on up the angelic ladder, we come to Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities.  All of which are more of a mystery then they are understood.  The scriptures regarding these tend to weigh more heavily on fallen angels than God‘s holy angels, but nevertheless, I will post what I have discovered.  Knowing that we are only given a glimpse, a quick snapshot into the hierarchy of the angelic in the scriptures.

I have likened the Lord’s Angelic Host, similar to a government, but also like a corporation.  With the President or CEO at the helm, the orders flow to the army or employees respectively.  The army when there are battles to be fought and won; employees if there are other orders to be accomplished, communications, etc.  So, let’s continue on with the organizational chart of angels remembering that scripture will site both the holy and fallen.

“Our evidence for angel organization includes a handful of terms in the New Testament referring to someone or something as “principalities,” “dominions,” “powers,” “rulers,” and “authorities.” This terminology seems to imply different groupings or levels of angelic beings. Sometimes the references seem to be only to evil angelic forces—to Satan and his demons.” 

“Nevertheless there’s something worth learning from angels when Scripture calls them by these exalted titles. Calvin himself was willing to say the terms powers, authorities, and rulers indicated that God’s government of this world “is exercised and administered” by angels. To him these words also show “the dignity of angelic service.”   Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

The following scriptures are where we find these celestial entities spoken of.

He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.  Ephesians 1:20-21. 

So that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 3:10.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, God made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15.

The end will come, when Christ hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.  1 Corinthians 15:24.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

“Principalities and powers are names or titles given to spiritual forces, along with authorities, and rulers. Depending on the version of the Bible being used, the words "principalities" and "powers" occur more or less frequently. These spiritual forces or principalities and powers are holy, good, and powerful, and they love to see the display of God's work and wisdom on the earth. Conversely, there are unholy principalities and powers that are unhappy to see God's work and wisdom through humanity, and they struggle against us to defeat us.”  What are the principalities and powers the Bible talks about?

It is thought that the dominions, also known as Lordships in some translations, manage the affairs of the lower angels.

“They maintain order amongst the angels, and sometimes preside over nations, guiding and directing rulers.”  The Spheres of the Christian Angelic Hierarchy - Beliefnet.

Since scripture is rather limited in the explanation of the government of angels, I will limit this writing.  Although, man has written a great deal on the subject, I think the best mindset is to know that Christ is Head over all.  All was and is created by Him and for Him.  It is He who we worship and try to understand more.  Though we are curious about angels, His preeminence is to be revered.  

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8.

“Calvin counseled his readers to renounce vain babblings of idle men concerning the nature, ranks, and number of angels, without any authority from the Word of God.  He said the path of discipleship taught by Jesus discouraged this kind of superfluous speculations, and that we, being contented with Him for our Master, should do the same.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and power.  Colossians 2:8-10.

I am reminded of the song "Above All" by Michael W. Smith:

Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  Colossians 1:15-17.

3/20/24 Archangel Phanuel

We come to the final Archangel in this series that we will investigate, Phanuel.  The name Phanuel means “Face of God” or “He Turns to God”.

“Phanuel's duties include bearing up God's throne, ministering Truth, and serving as an angel of judgement. According to The Book of Enoch, Phanuel is the fourth angel "set over repentance and those who hope to inherit eternal life" [Enoch, Chapter 40:9]. He is the fourth voice heard [Enoch, Chapter 40:7] "fending off the Satan’s (adversaries or accusers) and forbidding them to come before the Lord of spirits to accuse them who dwell on the earth".

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God, day and night, has been cast down. Revelation 12:10.

Could it be Phanuel's voice that John heard in Revelation 12:10?  Maybe, it is possible as our Bibles do not indicate whose voice is proclaiming salvation, and the fall of the accuser of the brethren.

Could it also be possible that this Archangel plays a role in opening the eyes of those who will inherit salvation as Jesus spoke of to Paul in the book of Acts?  “…to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18.

In a similar way when an angel helped me open my eyes in a dream, The Postal Worker – Angelica which is posted under Watchman Dreams.  “As she pulled me up, so my head was out of the water, she wanted me to notice where we were.  Did I recognize my surroundings?  She asked me to open my eyes, but I couldn’t open my eyes.  I kept trying to open them and then, they opened.”  Again, it is possible.  I don’t know.

On a last note of the subject, as I posted on Uriel last week, I wanted to include: “There is some debate over whether Uriel and Phanuel are the same angel. While some people associate Phanuel with Uriel, many differentiate the two.  In the Book of Enoch, Uriel is listed as the fourth angel, while Phanuel is referred to as the ‘Angel of Penance’. Uriel means “God is my flame”, whereas Phanuel means “He Turns To God”. 

Though we don’t distinguish much about the angels not written about in our Christian Scriptures, we do know one thing, and that is they do the throne work of God.  And perhaps, that’s enough for us to know…glory to God in the highest!

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14. 

Next week, we will climb up the angelic ladder to Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities.  Keep climbing with me!

3/13/24 Archangel Uriel

There is a reason why our Lord has not clearly stated all Archangels names in our Christain Bible, which is and will remain a mystery while we are on this earth.  Though God has seen fit to keep hidden most of the angelic world to humankind, it is probably for our own good.  That is the case with these next two Archangels, Uriel and Phanuel.

“It is a simple truth that the Bible reveals very little information regarding angels, and by extension, Archangels.  However, there are 15 literary texts called the Apocrypha, which provide accounts of the Archangels, but are not a part of the biblical canon, so as such, these entries must be taken with a grain of salt.  These apocryphal texts include the Book of Tobit, the Book of Enoch, the First and Second Book of Esdras, The First and Second Book of the Maccabees, The Book of Wisdom, and more.”  Who Is the Archangel Uriel? (christianity.com).

I have sought the Lord for scripture, yet these two angels have remained a mystery.  However, I have been led to a few pieces of information that I will post leaving it to the grace and glory of God.  Noting that both of these angels’ names end with “EL”; their names reflect the attributes of the Lord God Almighty, El Shaddai.  Let’s take a look at what their names mean, which will give us an indication of what their duties are for the Lord.

The name Uriel generally means “God is my Flame”.  It reminds me of the Psalm: He makes His ministers a flame of fire.  “Uriel, in the Jewish and Christian Apocrypha is a leading angel ranked with Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  Because his name in Hebrew means “fire of God” or “light of God,” he has been identified in Jewish traditions as an angel of thunder and earthquake, as the wielder of the fiery sword in driving Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, as the destroyer of the hosts of Sennacherib, as the figure who enlightens Ezra with visions, and, generally, as an angel of terror.”

For our God is a consuming fire.  Hebrews 12:29.

Therefore, understand today that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire. Deuteronomy 9:3.

Could Uriel be God’s agent who brought the fire which fell to prove Elijah a true prophet of the Lord Most High in 1 Kings 18:38?  Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.

And perhaps Uriel will be used with the Holy Spirit to bring in the fire of revival!  All interesting questions that I desire the answers to but may not get this side of eternity.  Next week, we will look at Archangel Phanuel.  Until then, let's keep God as our consuming Fire!

3/6/24 Archangel Raphael

The next Archangel we will review is the first that is not in our Christian Bibles, but he is mentioned in all rabbinic and ancient Jewish texts.  The Archangel Raphael.  It is a Hebrew name meaning: God heals, God's healer, or God has healed.

“The Archangel Raphael’s presence in the Bible is a matter of interpretation. In the Bible embraced by most Protestant denominations, there’s no explicit mention of the Archangel Raphael. However, within the Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions, Raphael does have a place, notably in the Book of Tobit. Additionally, the Book of Enoch, revered as sacred scripture by Eritrean and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, includes references to Raphael.  Raphael proclaims his identity in Tobit 12:15, stating, “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the LORD, ready to serve HIM.”  Archangel Raphael (alittlesparkofjoy.com).

As I prayed to write this article on Raphael, I was struck by his name.  I remembered one of the names of Jehovah, Jehovah Rapha.  I believe this is where Raphael’s name is derived from.  Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord Who Heals.

“The Lord is also Jehovah-Rapha, The Lord Who Heals. This title for God occurs in Exodus 15, which tells the story of the early days of the Israelites’ travels in the wilderness…The people of Israel began crying out to God and to Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” The Bible says, “So [Moses] cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, ‘If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you’” (Exodus 15:25-26).  In the Hebrew text, the title “The Lord Who Heals You” is Jehovah-Rapha.”  Dr. David Jeremiah.

In addition, Raphael is generally associated with the angel mentioned in the Gospel of John as stirring the water at the healing pool of Bethesda.  For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.  John 5:4.

Raphael is named after one of the most important attributes of God, healing.  Healing us from our sin, healing our physical bodies, healing us mentally and emotionally while bringing us in line with the word of God.

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Psalms 103:2-3. 

I am intrigued by Raphael because I had an encounter with this angel via a dream in November 2016.  I had been diagnosed with ALS months before this dream.  In a nutshell, my husband and I were running with labels on our heads.  We made it to our destination, which felt like home where a table was setup for dinner.

A messenger/delivery man met us there, I didn’t see a package.  It was evening and he had to return the way he came.  I knew he came up the same road only behind us.  I offered him a meal and fixed him a snack before he left.  Upon waking I thought of Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

I sensed the messenger was an angel after thinking of the scripture in Hebrews.  To solidify this theory were the labels on our heads indicating we belong to God.  The deliveryman aka angel needs a label to make the delivery, us!   So, I figured I would ask the Lord the name of the angel, maybe He would tell me…You do not have because you do not ask.  James 4:2b.

As soon as I asked, I heard ‘Raphael.’  I didn't think any more about it because I could not find the name Raphael in my Christian Bible.  Then a month later, I read a book titled Dream Language by James and Michal Ann Goll (page 54) says that a Jewish prayer calls upon Raphael, the Angel of Healing. The prayer says "…on your right side is Michael…on your left side is Gabriel…before you is Uriel (the Angel of Light) and behind you is Raphael (the Angel of Healing)."   Me not knowing who Raphael was speaks to a mystery God resolved along with a message of hope for my healing. 

“Raphael - great Archangel whose name means the shining one who heals."  In addition, “Raphael is mentioned in the Book of Tobit, to heal Tobit and deliver Sarah from a demon. Raphael accomplished both acts, disguised as a human, guiding Tobias along the way and instructing him on what to do.”  From the Books of Enoch: The Angels (Lumpkin, Joseph). 

Raphael first appears disguised in human form as a travelling companion...Just like in my dream he was behind us as a traveling companion though we didn’t see him until we arrived at our destination.

“In The Book of Enoch, God gives Raphael a healing assignment: “Restore the earth, which the [fallen] angels have corrupted; and announce life to it, that I may revive it” (Enoch 10:10). Enoch’s guide also mentions Raphael, saying in Enoch 40:9 that Raphael “presides over every suffering and every affliction” of people on Earth.” Archangel Raphael (crosswalk.com).

As I have written this post, it has given me hope that God will do what He has promised through the Raphael dream, because I have read “To see an Archangel in your dream is symbolic of a matter of great importance being taken care of by God.”

Next week, we will look at Archangel Uriel. 

2/28/24 Archangel Gabriel  

After Michael, Gabriel is the next angel mentioned in scripture.  His name means "God is my strength".  I have also read his name to mean “Mighty One of God.”  “Gabriel would probably easily win the award for ‘Most Admired Angel.’ He always seems to be bringing important news, and usually quite good news.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

Gabriel is first mentioned in the Book of Daniel and helped Daniel in his mission on earth.  Later on, Gabriel appears to Zachariah and the Blessed Virgin Mary, delivering the greatest message ever that God meant to Incarnate and send His Son to us.”  What Are the 9 Orders of Angels? Beliefnet.com.

The first time we read of Gabriel in the Bible is in Daniel 8:15-17, when Gabriel was dispatched to interpret Daniel’s vision.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he is to ask God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. James 1:5. Daniel sought to understand, and a heavenly messenger was sent to him.

Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man.  And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.”  So, he came near where I stood, and when he came, I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, “Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.”  Daniel 8:15-17.

We see Gabriel sent again to Daniel in chapter 10:12-14.  Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:11-14.

Notice the angel says God has heard Daniel’s prayers and answered immediately but someone stood against him from receiving the answer.  The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood Gabriel (who was sent with the answer) and Michael had to be deployed to defend in the battle. 

“Daniel’s conversation with the angel reveals to us the important fact that there is an “invisible war” going on in the heavenlies between the forces of evil and the forces of God. For three weeks, Daniel had been praying for wisdom to understand the visions he had already seen, but the answer to that prayer was delayed.

Why would the Lord not immediately answer the petitions of His beloved prophet? Because “the prince of the kingdom of Persia”—an evil angel—had attacked the angel bearing the answer, probably Gabriel. This evil angel was assigned to see to it that the king of Persia did what Satan wanted him to do. Michael, the Archangel assigned to minister to Israel assisted Gabriel and together they won the battle.

This certainly lifts prayer out of the level of a humdrum religious exercise and shows it to be one of our strongest and most important spiritual weapons.” Excerpt from: Be Resolute Daniel, Warren W. Wiersbe.

So, we see that the enemy can send interference to delay our answers to prayer.  More reason to put on the armor of God every morning and evening.  “God is not a respecter of persons. He sent an angel for Daniel’s word.  The angel said, God heard you the first day, but Satan hindered the angel, who had to receive help, until the battle was won.  God is listening to our prayers and will send an angel, for our words as well, if we hold on and believe that God will answer.  The enemy does not want us to receive the word of God.”  Wanda Rust.

In addition, the touch of Gabriel can impart physical and emotional strength.  Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.  And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not!  Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”  So, when he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”  Daniel 10:18-19. 

We next read of Gabriel’s visitation to Zacharias to announce John the Baptist's birth (Luke 1:11-20).  More on that interesting encounter at a later date.  Then again to Mary, the mother of our Savior.  Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  Luke 1:26-27.

In Gabriel, we truly see the work of an Archangel sent to communicate important messages from God to the benefit of mankind.  Gabriel also conveys and imparts strength to whom he is sent.  And, we can learn how (being true to his name) to keep God as our strength.  The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. Habakkuk 3:19.

God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33.

Let’s keep God as our strength!  Next week, we will review Raphael.

2/21/24 Archangel Michael

The name Michael means “Who is like God?”  He is identified with the nation of Israel as their warrior-protector and their God-sent advocate in the End Times.

At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Daniel 12:1.

From Michael, we see how important it is to love and pray for Israel and its people because they are the apple of God’s eye.

While the angel who was speaking to me was leaving, another angel came to meet him and said to him: “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. And I Myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’ Zechariah 2:3-5.

For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His Eye— Zechariah 2:8.

“The title “Archangel” means the angel who is “first, principal, chief.” Only Michael is given that name in Scripture, and so Paul may be referring to Michael as “the Archangel” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16— For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the Archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Michael’s voice may be the one we’ll hear on the day of the rapture.”

“Is Michael the one angel who is above all others? If Michael is the foremost of all angels, then his name is quite appropriate—“Who Is Like God?” The answer, of course, is “No one.” Nobody compares to God, not even the mighty captain of the angelic host. Regardless of the great battles Michael wins, or whatever great things any angels do, our only praise must go to the Lord, “who alone does marvelous deeds” (Psalm 72:18).”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

What we learn from Michael’s name is obvious, there is no other God than the Lord God Almighty!  “Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?  You are my witnesses.  Is there any God besides me?  No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” Isaiah 44:8.

Michael is believed to be the angel who delivered God’s divine inspiration to John in the Book of Revelation.  In addition, he is known for his role in expelling Lucifer from heaven.  And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought…Rev. 12:7.

And Michael had a confrontation with the devil over Mose’s body (Jude 9).  But even the Archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

We can understand from Michael’s reaction to Satan what our reaction to him should be, and that is ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan”.  According to the Lord's word, ‘Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7).

Finally, the last section of scripture I will quote regarding Michael has to do with prayer, and the invisible war in the heavenlies.  These verses prove how powerful prayer is in the life of a believer, and how heaven will move on our behalf, to make sure our answers from the Lord reach us.

Then he (Gabriel) said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.”…”But first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.” Daniel 10:12-13, Daniel 10:21.

“Daniel’s conversation with the angel reveals to us the important fact that there is an “invisible war” going on in the heavenlies between the forces of evil and the forces of God.  For three weeks, Daniel had been praying for wisdom to understand the visions he had already seen, but the answer to that prayer was delayed.  Why would the Lord not immediately answer the petitions of His beloved prophet?  Because “the prince of the kingdom of Persia”—an evil angel—had attacked the angel bearing the answer, probably Gabriel.  This evil angel was assigned to see to it that the king of Persia did what Satan wanted him to do. Michael, the Archangel assigned to minister to Israel, assisted Gabriel and together they won the battle.”  Excerpt from: Be Resolute Daniel, Warren W. Wiersbe.

Just by briefly looking at Michael we can see things we should emulate.  Namely, to keep the Lord in His preeminence because He alone is God; and we have seen how important it is to love Israel.  Michael shows us how to deal with Satan, in addition, the importance of prayer.  

Next week, we will look at Gabriel.  Until then, check out the post on an army of angels in the sky granting victory to Israel under Spirit Sightings & The Miraculous.

2/25/24 Update to Archangel Michael

I was rereading my post on Michael and the Government of Angels when a thought came to me from about a week ago. I went to have an MRI I was very nervous for many reasons. My hubby left me in the waiting room to go to the parking lot before I went in for the MRI. A security guard walked up to me, introduced himself and offered me water and if he could do anything for me. I said "No, I am fine." He came back a second time smiled at me, chatted a little bit more and then moved over to his post where he stood guard.

My husband came back in, and they called my name. As I was going through the doorway to go to the MRI, the security guard appeared again and said, “I hope everything goes well”. He introduced himself as Michael. Now, it probably wasn’t the Archangel, but what if it was?!?

In my post, I say “They can take on the appearance of man to better communicate with us.” And as I read that sentence, I remembered my encounter with the security guard Michael. How interesting is that? Think of the duties of a security guard…to guard and bring security (and angels, to God’s people). So fascinating to think about!

2/14/24 Government of Angels ~ Archangels

We will continue our “Government of Angels” with those spiritual beings closest to mankind.  Last week, we looked at angels.  So, let’s continue on with the organizational chart and the next rung up the angelic ladder…Archangels.

Archangels are called the great heralds of the Good News because they are sent by God to deliver and carry out God’s messages and important plans for mankind.  They also are found around the Most High’s throne room. 

There is fluidity in ancient texts and our Christian scriptures regarding Archangels.  Ranging from one distinctly titled in the Bible (Michael), up to seven found in early Jewish and Christian literature and manuscripts.  

However, the Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism) names four angels known as Archangels surrounding God's throne.  The highest ranking are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel.  Then, there is Phanuel (named in the Book of Enoch) who is also referred to as an Archangel.  A quick summary:

• Michael: Presides over Israel and all that is poweriful; great warrioir.
• Gabriel: Prevails over all that is merciful; great communicator.
• Raphael: Presides over suffering and every wound of man; great healer.
• Uriel: The angel of wisdom, who shines the light of God’s truth; the fire of God.
• Phanuel: Presides over repentance and the hope of those who will inherit eternal life; the angel of penance.

“As the Holy One blessed be He created four winds (directions) and four banners (for Israel's army), so also did He make four angels to surround His Throne—Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael. Michael is on its right; Uriel on its left; Gabriel in front; and Raphael in the rear.” Angels in Judaism.

“There is some ambuguity concerning Uriel and Phanel.  Some associate Phanuel with Uriel; although some others see this as debatable.  Uriel, is in the Jewish and Christian Apocrypha ranked as an Archangel with Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  While Phanuel is found in the Book of Enoch (ca. 300 BC an ancient Hebrew apocalyptic religious text, ascribed by tradition to the patriarch Enoch who was the father of Methuselah and the great-grandfather of Noah), with Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel.”

Notice the names I mentioned, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and Phanuel, they all end with ’EL’.  Why?  Because El means the Lord God Almighty, El Shaddai.  Each Archangel’s name mirrors an attribute of the Lord God, and we will see what each name means later in this series. 

In addition, there are seven Archangels referenced in early Jewish and Christian texts: “The concept of Seven Archangels is found in some works of early Jewish literature and in Christianity.  In those texts, they are referenced as the angels who serve God directly.  Zechariah 4,10 tells about "seven rejoices" that are "the eyes of the Lord, which scan to and from throughout the whole earth."  Revelation 8:2 mentions seven angels who "stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets."

Similarly, Revelation 16:1 indicates: "and I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels: ‘Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God into the earth.’"  Lastly, Revelation 4 and Revelation 4:5 mention "seven Spirits" whose identity is not well specified – who are the "seven lamps of fire that were burning before the throne". Seven Archangels.

Time for a cautionary note. I don’t know how I would react if I saw an Archangel without being clothed in human form.  I guess no one really knows how they would react to such a manifestation of the Angelic Host.  But I do know what we’re not supposed to do and that is to worship them.  

And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!  Revelation 19:10.

Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”  Revelation 22:9.

“Why would such a godly man like John make such a blunder as this?  John either felt that the angel represented God, or he was beside himself with excitement over the glorious consummation.  No created being should be worshipped.  This is in contrast to Jesus, who receives the worship of angels.  This voice from the throne of God might be Jesus, but more likely it is the voice of one of the angels that serve at the throne of God.”  Enduring Word Bible Commentary Revelation Chapter 19.

“Christians are never to worship angels or pray to angels, for our worship and “prayer belong to God alone.  But when we pray, God directs the armies of heaven to fight on our behalf, even though we may know nothing about the battles that are being waged in this invisible war.”  Excerpt from: ‘Be Resolute (Daniel)’, Warren W. Wiersbe.

I have heard it said, God has given us essential revelation not exhaustive revelation.  There is a reason why our Lord has not clearly stated all Archangels names in our Christain Bible, which is and will remain a mystery while we are on this earth.  However, I think it will be fun to look at Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel and Phanuel.

 Next week, we will get started with Michael.  Stay tuned.

2/7/24 His Angelic Host ~ The Government of Angels

I have likened the Lord’s Angelic Host, similar to a government, but also like a corporation.  With the President or CEO at the helm, the orders flow to the army or employees respectively.  The army when there are battles to be fought and won; employees if there are other orders to be accomplished, communications, etc. 

As I said, I am careful not to dive into angels too deeply if Lord is not leading.  But I believe He is in this case wanting us to understand more about His Angelic Host and its order. For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding… Colossians 1:9.

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-17.

“Thomas Aquinas in his ‘Summa Theologica’, listed angels into three hierarchies, each further divided into three orders. The first hierarchy is that of the order of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The second hierarchy contains the orders of Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities, and the third hierarchy holds the order of Archangels and Angels. These were the same hierarchy that Pope Gregory the First accepted in the sixth century.” Does the Bible Show an Angel Hierarchy? (christianity.com)

We will ascend the ladder into the heavenly realm of the angelic starting with the bottom rung of the ladder and moving upward.  As God's word says, man is made a little lower than angels so, our first step on this ladder will be to understand the angels that are closest to mankind. 

“A basic, stripped-down definition of angels is that they are spirit beings from outside this world. Within that loose meaning are two broad categories of angels: good and bad. The good ones we call God’s angels. They have always served and obeyed him, and always will. The bad ones are fallen angels—Satan and his demons.”

“They (the holy angels) are his messengers. When they give us strength or enlightenment, it is God’s strength or enlightenment that they impart. Their encouragement is God’s encouragement. Their guidance is God’s guidance. Their protection is God’s protection. When they bring comfort, it is God’s comfort they offer. And when they bring wrath, it is God’s wrath they inflict.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

The holy angels assigned to mankind are closest to the material world and to human beings.  It is said, they deliver the prayers to God and other messages to people on earth.  One of the greatest characteristics about angels is that they are most caring and social to assist those who ask for help (i.e., guardian angels).  As such, they can take on the appearance of man to better communicate with us.

From my friend Wanda: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:14. I want you to stop and think about this.  We have angels who minister for us, when we speak.  How powerful is that?”

When we look at the nature of angels, we learn a lot.  They even have behaviors that we would do well to mimic, more on that later.  If you didn’t know, just as we are curious about angels, they are curious about us.  “Scripture does affirm the concept of heavenly beings who watch the earth (Ezekiel 1:15–20) and are interested in the affairs of humans: This Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen (1 Peter 1:12).”

Before we go on in this series, I want to make clear the position of mankind in relation to angels. Some in the church think that man is higher in the creation order than angels.  However, if we look at scripture, we understand that angels are above man in the hierarchy.  

You have made him (man) a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Your hands. Hebrews 2:7.

Even so, Jesus decided to become lower than the angels to bring us into His Kingdom.  And not only did He do that, but He also promised that we will reign with Him in His Kingdom and not the angels.  I wondered about that and I asked the Lord.  He responded “If we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him and His angels don’t suffer!”

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. Hebrews 2:5. “Think about this, we are a little lower than angels, but will one day judge them, but now they listen to our words to bring them to pass.”  Wanda Rust. 

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9.

If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him…2 Timothy 2:12a.

Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  “We who are his children, are also heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, but we will suffer with him, so that we may be glorified with him.  This is where if there is no pain, there is no gain.”  Wanda Rust.  

I am discovering there is so much the Lord wants to impart to us in this series, it is exciting.  Next week, we will start our look at the next rung up the angelic ladder to Archangels.  Until then, read more about the inquisitivess of angels in my post A Company of Angels under Watchman Dreams.

And, check out Spirit Sightings & The Miraculous to read about a vision of winged angels.

1/31/24 The Lord of Hosts and a Cloud of Witnesses

More than 260 times in the Bible, God calls Himself the Lord of Hosts, meaning ‘the Lord of Heavenly Armies.’  “The term in Hebrew is Jehovah Sabaoth. This idea of hosts positions God in a light that I don’t know if we often think of Him in, which is in a military light. God is the Leader of heaven’s armies.” biblestudytools.com.

The Lord of Hosts is also the Lord of the ‘great cloud of witnesses.’  Who is in the cloud of witnesses?  Regarding our race of faith: Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Hebrews 12:1.

I mention this because I believe these witnesses include angels.  There are different theories on who is in the cloud of witnesses. 

“We see in Hebrews chapter 11-12 that the cloud of witnesses refers to people who have gone to heaven before us.  God’s people. They actively witness our activities and are also seen as high, hovering among the clouds, possibly alluded to in ‘cloud of witnesses.’  The sense would be that because of the angels, that support and oversee Christians on their race, we should all the more put aside our sin and complete the race.” Who Are the 'Cloud of Witnesses' in the Bible? (crosswalk.com).

I have seen this cloud of witnesses briefly.  In a dream, I entered a large room with a gallery of people looking down on me to my right.  I was waiting for a friend in order to reconcile with her, however she never showed up.  What I did notice though was a large white robed angel sitting beside me.  I sensed it was female and she was plump in a brilliant white robe.  I didn’t look directly at her out of fear.  I looked up at the people watching from the upper gallery and I pointed (excitedly) to the angel sitting next to me.  I sensed she was there to bring peace…she was singing.

In any event, it is my opinion that the witnesses are the saints from the Old Testament; saints from the New Testament (including our loved ones) and angels, which I might add, some are called ‘Watchers’.  So too, Satan is part of this group who observe or watch mankind according to Job 1:7-8.

And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”  So, Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”  Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

Holy Watchers

Some angels are called ‘Watchers’.  Could these ‘watchers’ be a part of the great cloud of witnesses?  It is possible.  This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.  Daniel 4:17.

“This holy watcher from heaven gave orders for the tree to be cut down, and the stump and the roots bound with iron…’This sentence,’ said the watcher, is by the decree of the angelic watchers, and the decision is a command of the holy ones.  So, there were other “watchers” besides the one talking to Nebuchadnezzar, and they were entrusted in some manner with pronouncing God’s judgment. They could be a particular class of angels with special duty related to communicating God’s decrees.” Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

“Scripture does affirm the concept of heavenly beings who watch the earth (Ezekiel 1:15–20) and are interested in the affairs of humans: This Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen (1 Peter 1:12).

Noncanonical literature elaborates in detail regarding the watcher angels. According to the books of Enoch, watcher angels can be either fallen angels or holy angels. These watcher angels take a particular interest in the earthly affairs of human beings, ‘watching’ them, and, at times, even interfering in or controlling situations that concern people.” Who are the watcher angels.

Next week, we will start our look into the hierarchy of the Angelic Host.

1/24/24 The Lord of Heavenly Armies

Since I believe we are in the end-times, we are seeing increased activity in demons.  We can see it in our society; irrational reactions to Israel; and certainly, in our country’s leanings.  But with the increase in demonic activity, there will also be seen an increase in angelic activity. 

I hadn’t given a whole lot of thought to angels until recently, because I have had two dreams which brought them to the forefront.  Visit  Watchman Dreams to read ‘A Company of Angels’.  

I am careful not to dive into something too deeply, if Lord is not leading.  However, I believe He is wanting me and us to understand more about this subject.  So, we will seek to understand just as Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened to the spiritual realm and the Lord’s Heavenly armies.   

We can do the same.  “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.  2 Kings 6:16-17. 

Knowing this, I am led to take some time to do a study on angels.  If you didn’t know, just as we are curious about angels, they are curious about us…more on that later.  But, if we seek ‘first’ the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us (Matt. 6:33).  Once we seek the Lord’s Kingdom and His righteousness, then we can move on to seeking the other things that God wants to show us.

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.  Jeremiah 33:3.

I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3.

I have two stories to share regarding seeking to understand where angels have intervened.  The first one happened when I sought guidance on putting my beloved pet down.  When it came time to end her life, I had great anguish.  I couldn’t bring myself to the decision.  I needed guidance, so I prayed fervently for the Lord to show me the answer.  He did by sending a child angel with the answer.

She gently led me to a grave.  I leaned down, I listened closely.  I could hear this incredible singing coming from the grave!  Then the little girl said that my dog was praising the Lord, the God who created her was singing!  Bahia had joined a huge chorus of animals that had died and were buried under the ground; they were all singing in their own animal language praises to the Lord! 

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them, I heard singing: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the Throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever.” (Revelation 5:13).

The second example of God sending an angel with His answer was Daniel, and how he sought to understand the future of his people.

Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.”  Daniel 10:12.

“God is not a respecter of persons. He sent an angel for Daniel’s word.  The angel said, God heard you the first day, but Satan hindered the angel, who had to receive help, until the battle was won.  God is listening to our prayers and will send an angel, for our words as well, if we hold on and believe that God will answer.”  Wanda Rust.

And so, we will ascend into the heavenly realm to behold what the Lord wants to show us.  If you will go with me on this adventure, make sure you have on the armor of God.  While we will encounter holy angels, we may encounter fallen ones, also.  Nevertheless, the Lord did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  No confusion, because God is not the author of confusion but of peace... 1 Corinthians 14:33.

Ours is a walk of faith, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  Angels don’t walk by faith they see God in the spiritual realm.  Our prayer should be to give us eyes to see and ears to hear in the spiritual realm to accomplish His purposes on earth. 

Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, open our eyes, Lord, so that we may see the spiritual realm You want to teach us about.  Amen.”

May our response be the same as Joshua when he saw the Commander of the Lord’s Army.

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”  Then the Commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.”  And Joshua did so.  Joshua 5:14-15.

Let’s ascend!