Was that an angel?

Someone very dear to me has trouble dealing with most people, but usually feels comfortable with dogs. Once, when she was forced to walk through a crime-ridden neighborhood in the middle of the night, she was escorted by a large, menacing-looking dog. It appeared mysteriously when she felt threatened, and vanished in the same manner, when her feelings of danger had passed.

Could that possibly have been an angel?

Would any of us even recognize an angel if we saw one?

Just what is an angel, anyway?

The Bible tells us, "See, I am sending an angel before you, to keep you on your way and to be your guide into the place which I have made ready for you." (Ex 23:20) bev

So, angels can be our guides.

"Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair of my flesh stood up. It stood still, but I couldn't discern the appearance of it; A form was before my eyes." (Job 4:15-16a) web

It also seems that, since angels are not of this world, they are not always easily discernable.

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps 91:11) drv

God's police force?

"Then again one having the form of a man put his hand on me and gave me strength. And he said to me, O man greatly loved, have no fear: peace be with you, be strong and let your heart be lifted up. And at his words I became strong, and said, Let my lord say on, for you have given me strength. Then he said, It is clear to you why I have come to you. And now I will give you an account of what is recorded in the true writings: But I am going back to make war with the angel of Persia, and when I am gone, the angel of Greece will come. And there is no one on my side against these, but Michael, your angel." (Dan 10:18-20) bev

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"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.' " (Luke 1:19) mkj

OK, they can be messengers as well as God's Armed Forces!

We see they are also protectors of, and witnesses for, little children. I am sure this also includes all the innocent.

"And whoever gives honour to one such little child in my name, gives honour to me: But whoever is a cause of trouble to one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have a great stone fixed to his neck, and to come to his end in the deep sea." (Mat 18:5-6) bev

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"Let it not seem to you that one of these little ones is of no value; for I say to you that in heaven their angels see at all times the face of my Father in heaven." (Mat 18:10) bev

Angels will have incredible responsibilities in the end times, too.

"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased."
(Dan 12:1-4) web

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"The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mat 13:41-43) mkj

It is very important that we remember that angels do God's bidding... Like us, they are God's creations.

"I John heard and saw these things; and when I had heard and seen them, I fell at the feet of the angel who was showing me them--to worship him. But he said to me, 'Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book. Worship God. Make no secret,' he added, 'of the meaning of the predictions contained in this book; for the time for their fulfillment is now close at hand.' " (Rev 22:8-10) wnt

The next time you think you may have seen a faint image of a pair of wings, hovering over an innocent, precious child, do not dismiss it as "just your imagination." Remember that, "Little children were brought for Jesus to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. "Don't bother him,' they said. But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and don't prevent them. For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.' "
(Mat 19:13-14) tlb

Guardians, guides, enforcers, messengers, and protectors of the innocent; angels are representatives of The Almighty! What an incredible God we serve!

See you all soon, in Paradise!