As we continue our study of the invisible realm, let’s look at some biblical examples that deal with the angelic.
Jesus and the apostles, and many Old Testament prophets spoke much about the activity of the angelic. All throughout scripture there are examples of God sending His angels on assignment to accomplish His will on earth.
Angels are spiritual beings created by God for His pleasure and purpose (Colossians 1:16). It appears they were created long before the creation of earth as described in the book of Job.
1) Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2) "Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 3) Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
4) "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5) Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?
6) To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7) When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:1-7
God was rebuking Job for his arrogance and asked if he was present when He laid the foundation of the world, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. This was His way of poetically describing the angels, who were witnesses of His creation of the earth. Amazing!
Daniel's encounter with the angelic.
2) In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3) I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4) Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5) I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!
6) His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7) And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
8) Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9) Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
10) 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.
12) 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. 13) 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.
14) Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come." Daniel 10:2-14
In this passage we see both sides of the invisible realm in operation. First the angel comes to Daniel to reveal the mystery of the vision he had earlier. This angel describes the warfare he experienced (verse 13) in bringing the message to Daniel. All this took place in the invisible realm, and undoubtedly continues to play out until the end of time when the devil and his minions are cast into the lake of fire.
Although he is not mentioned by name, we believe this messenger sent to give Daniel the interpretation was Gabriel, the same angel mentioned in Daniel 9:20-23.
Wow! What amazing things are constantly going on in the invisible realm around us. If only we would train our spiritual senses to discern the activity of heaven and the ministry of God’s angels, we might begin to see the tremendous help the Father has placed at our disposal through faith and prayer.
The Bible mentions angels directly or indirectly over 300 times, including Michael (at least 5 times) the prince over Israel, and Gabriel (at least 4 times) who announced the birth of Jesus.
The writer of Hebrews gave us a powerful fact about the ministry of angles when he wrote:
13) But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14) Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:13-14
The angels have been sent forth to minister or serve on our behalf. Like the police or law enforcement, they are sent to “protect and serve.”
To become more spiritually sensitive and aware, I encourage you to pray the prayer found in the first chapter of Ephesians.
17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…. Ephesians 1:17-18
Paul knew it would take revelation of the Father for the church at Ephesus to understand the mysteries of His grace and purpose. He prayed for their spiritual eyes to be enlightened.
Pray the above prayer for yourself, your family, and loved ones often. Watch an increase of revelation and understanding come forth. The invisible realm is more real than the physical world we live in, but it takes spiritual discernment and awareness to grasp its reality.
We’ll discover more about this glorious part of the invisible realm next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ continually bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 07/19/2024