Category Archives: Angels

Sleeping newborn in a straw-filled manger with Mary, Joseph, and animals nearby
Angels, Bible, Hebrews, Helping, Humanity, Salvation, Scripture

NOT LIKE THE ANGELS

HEBREWS 2:16

“For clearly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendants of Abraham.”

Some people just don’t need your help, do they? You could offer all the help in the world, and they would decline it because they don’t see themselves as needing anything. I find that is true especially among the lost. And if they are affluent, they sure don’t think they need any help at all. I hate to bear it to them, but we all need help.

Today’s verse is a little puzzling at first read. Was the writer saying that Jesus didn’t help the angels but instead helped mankind? That is part of it, for sure, but that is not all of it. One scholar says, “the meaning is, that He did not seize the nature of angels, or take it to Himself with reference to rendering ‘them’ aid, but He assumed the nature of man – in order to aid ‘him.’ He undertook the work of human redemption, and consequently it was necessary for Him to be man.” (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible)

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

Let’s call this verse Something new about God. God could have sent Jesus to earth in His heavenly form, and millions would have immediately fallen at His feet in fear. He could have appeared with the heavenly host in Bethlehem announcing God’s wrath upon all men unless they bowed to Him. But instead of taking that form, He chose the form of man. He came as a baby.

Philippians 2:5-8 spells this out very clearly, “5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.”

Aren’t you glad He chose to come like us? He not only appeared in human form, but He also came as a helpless baby born in a manger. God could have sent Him into Herod’s palace, but He chose to place His seed in a young virgin Jewish girl betrothed to a carpenter. God followed the lineage proclaimed throughout Scripture and not a Hollywood script that would have made a “bigger” story. Never underestimate the lowliness of our Savior. It was a chosen position for a specific purpose – so He could relate to everyone.

Lord, Your plans are always perfect and for that I praise You.

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Newborn baby in manger with Mary, Joseph, donkey, and ox
Angels, Bible, Glory, Heaven, Hebrews, Humanity, Scripture

TEMPORARY STATUS

HEBREWS 2:7

“‘YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR;’”

When I travel to other countries as part of my missionary role with Every Man a Warrior, I know my resident status there is only temporary. In most cases, I have applied for a visa which clearly states how long I can stay in that country. If I overstay my visa, I could be arrested and deported. Temporary means exactly that – temporary. Oh, but I know my status in heaven will be eternal one day. Isn’t that awesome?

We see the writer of Hebrews continue the quotation from Psalm 8 by quoting verse 5. As he applies this Old Testament verse to Jesus, he is stressing the point that Jesus’ earthly dwelling was indeed a temporary thing. He voluntarily took on a human form to complete the mission given to Him by His Father. That meant for this season, He was “a little lower than angels.” But don’t forget that the angels knew exactly who He was and were even present at His birth declaring so. (Read Luke 2:8-14)


ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

I am going to call this verse a Promise to claim. Why would I say that? Because God didn’t send Jesus permanently in human form. This was always going to be a temporary status for Him. His true nature was never in doubt. That’s a promise we can claim. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. We’ll see that later in Hebrews 13:8. There is no other religion that can state that about their founder or their god. Only Jesus!

I am reminded of Philippians 2:5-11. Do you know that passage? It says, “5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. 9 For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Hallelujah! What a Savior! He came! He triumphed! He returned home! We also, as followers of Christ, will leave this world which is only our temporary home. Our real home is in heaven with Jesus. I get excited thinking about that, don’t you? Are you ready to go? I am anytime the Father calls my name.

Lord, thank You for the eternal status I will enjoy one day with You in glory!

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Christ enthroned in heaven surrounded by praying angels
Angels, Bible, Hebrews, Jesus, Scripture, Subjection

THE SUBJECTED WORLD

HEBREWS 2:5

“For He did not subject to angels the world to come, about which we are speaking.”

We all have our roles, don’t we? My role currently is husband, father and grandfather. In that role I have some responsibilities. As a follower of Christ in that role, I serve as Provider, Protector and Priest of my home. Am I perfect in those roles? Not even close, but I do try to serve to the best of my ability. I am subject to the Lord in all things. My wife chooses to subject herself (submit) to my leadership, but I would never lord myself over her.

Why do I bring that up? Because we see it stated clearly here that the angels have their role which does not include ruling over the world to come. They are God’s messenger, but the world to come is under the dominion of the Son.  The writer of Hebrews is going back to the discussion he had in chapter 1 where he showed Jesus was superior to the angels. Angels, in fact, are subject to Him. God never intended to give angels this ruling power.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There has been a lot of talk in the past few years about angels. Some people have even come close to what I would call “angel worship.” We even talk about people getting their angel wings when they die. Let me state something clearly – we don’t get wings. We will not turn into angels when we get to heaven. We will be changed but not into angelic form.

There is Something new about God here. The Holy Spirit inspired the writer to clarify the roles in heaven. Jesus is the only One Who has the authority to rule over the world to come. Now right now we are told that Satan has dominion on this earth. I Peter 5:8 says he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. But in the world to come, Jesus will reign. Hallelujah!

While angels (both good and evil) have subjection over the present world, I know where my help comes from. Psalm 121:2 tells us, “My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Even in the midst of trials and temptations on this earth, I know He is my help. I don’t rely on angels. I don’t rely on luck. I rely on Him. How about you? Look up, not for angels, but for Him.

I am so thankful, Lord, that You are the One Who will rule over the world to come.

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Angel of the Lord defeating Assyrian army
Angels, Bible, Hebrews, Lightning, Messenger, Scripture, Winds

ANGEL’S JOBS

HEBREWS 1:7

“And regarding the angels He says, ‘HE MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’”

My late father-in-law worked many years in the drycleaning business. He and my mother-in-law ran their own business on their own. There is no telling how many garments he pressed or ironed. He used to jokingly say when he got to heaven, he was sure his job would be to iron the angels’ robes. Lol. Hey, I am betting on wrinkle-free robes myself.

The writer of Hebrews continues his comparison between Jesus as God’s only Son and the angels. Really, there is no comparison. The quotation comes from Psalm 104:4. There is some confusion about what this verse actually means, but I love what Barnes says about it. “The passage ‘might’ be translated, ‘Who maketh his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire;’ that is, ‘who makes his angels like the winds, or as swift as the winds, and his ministers as rapid, as terrible, and as resistless as the lightning.’”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

Do you see the Command to Obey in our verse? The angels had their commands from the Father. They were God’s messengers sent to mankind. They were to respond swiftly and immediately. We have the same directives. When we are given a command (and there are plenty of them in Scripture), we are not to question why. We are just to obey. I have to admit that I have not always done that. There have been plenty of times I questioned the logic of a certain command from God. Most of those times, however, I did finally submit to the Lord and do as commanded.

I see a Promise to claim to claim as well. What is that? That God will send His angels to help us in our struggles. He did that all through Scripture. That would be a great study, wouldn’t it? We could go through and find every occurrence when God sent an angel or angels to assist someone or a nation. One of my favorites is found in 2 Kings 19:35 where it says, “Then it happened that night that the angel of the LORD went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when the rest got up early in the morning, behold, all of the 185,000 were dead.” Wow! I am sure that angel moved like the wind and lightning!

God’s angels are His army to use when and how He sees fit. Rest assured, He knows when to send them on your behalf. Never question His use of His messengers. They may not be as mighty as Jesus, but they are given power from above to accomplish God’s will.

Lord, I praise You for Your wisdom in sending forth Your angels as needed. I trust You.

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Christ enthroned beneath a crown, surrounded by kneeling angels and heavenly light
Angels, Bible, Hebrews, Scripture, Worship

THE ANGELS WORSHIP HIM

HEBREWS 1:6

“And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’”

One day all creation will bow down in worship before the throne of Jesus. All will acknowledge Him as Lord. I have jokingly said that when I get to heaven, I will probably spend the first million years on my face before Him. To worship Him will be our main job there, so we had better get some practice in down here, don’t you think? Worship should be second nature to us as followers of Christ.

This Old Testament quotation in today’s verse has been widely debated. Some say it comes from the Septuagint translation which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament) of Psalm 97:7. Others say it comes from Deuteronomy 32:43 which also translates it as “God’s angels.” The point the writer is making is all creation will worship Him, even the angels in heaven. It is kind of like a picture we see in Revelation where all gathered around the throne singing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, Almighty.”

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

There is definitely a Command to Obey in our verse today. Just like the angels, we are commanded to worship the King of Glory. What does it mean to “worship Him”? The Greek word used here for “worship” is proskynéō “(from prós, ‘towards’ and kyneo, ‘to kiss’) – properly, to kiss the ground when prostrating before a superior; to worship, ready ‘to fall down/prostrate oneself to adore on one’s knees; (DNTT); to ‘do obeisance’ (BAGD).” (HELPS Word-studies) Some describe this word as “the kissing-ground.” That’s why I think I will be on my face for so long in heaven.

I also see an Application to make here. I have to put everything else in my life (family, home, career, money, etc) behind Jesus. He must be my first allegiance. I can only worship one thing. Jesus warns us of this when He said in Luke 16:13, “‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’” This principle applies to anything you put before God.

I even believe we can point out a Sin to avoid. This is implied by the command to worship Jesus and Him alone. To put anything before the Master is sin. It is so easy to relegate Jesus to a weekend event. We go to church and sing and hear a sermon, but are we putting Him up on a shelf the rest of the week? God demands our obedience every day, every hour, every minute. Don’t let your lack of commitment lure you into a complacency about Jesus. To do so will take you down a path you may struggle to return from. Worship the King every day. Start your day in praise and end it the same way.

Lord, I give You praise and worship with the angels. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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Angels, Army, Bible, Isaiah, Romans, Scripture

THE LORD OF ARMIES

ROMANS 9:29

“And just as Isaiah foretold: ‘IF THE LORD OF ARMIES HAD NOT LEFT US DESCENDANTS, WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE GOMORRAH.’”

Right now there is another war going on in the Middle East. There seems to always be one or two going on there. This time it seems everyone over there has had enough with Iran’s threats. The U.S. has entered into the war and has displayed some incredible weapons, both defensive and offensive. But if you combined all the weapons and militaries of all the countries in this war they would pale in comparison to the army of heaven.

Paul refers to this army in today’s verse. He is quoting from Isaiah 1:9 this time. Here we see God described as the Lord of Armies. The Greek word used here is sabaóth, which is used here and in James 5:4 which says, “Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies..” Let’s take a closer look at this description of God as used in the Old Testament.

APPLICATION

The Hebrew equivalent of this word in Isaiah 1:9 is tsaba. It means “a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. Organized for war (an army)” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Remember in the previous verse we looked at yesterday, it referred to God completing his plans thoroughly and quickly. I can’t help but think about Desert Storm back in 1991. After a massive 42-day air campaign, a swift 100-hour ground offensive heavily damaged Iraqi forces and restored Kuwaiti sovereignty. Experts said the U.S. would need weeks or months to defeat Sadaam Hussein. It took less than five days on the ground!

God doesn’t need an air or ground campaign, unless your count his angelic army (which you can’t begin to number). They are at the ready, just listening for their Commander’s call. Shouldn’t we be the same? Aren’t we part of the Lord’s army here on earth? We may not carry swords like the angels, but we have THE sword, His Word. We need to wield that in defense and offense. Defensively, it shields us from the attacks of the evil one as we memorize more and more of it. Offensively, we can attack any force of evil that tries to battle against us.

Aren’t you glad we serve such a God? Aren’t you glad He’s on our side? Abraham Lincoln was asked during the Civil War whether God was on the side of the Union. His reply, “I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.” Shouldn’t we all feel that way? Shouldn’t we all be on His side?

I serve You, Lord of Armies, because I know You are always on the side of right.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Angels, Battles, Bible, Choices, Dependence, Disciplemaking, God's Will, Messages, Scripture, Witnessing

AN ANGEL OF GOD

GALATIANS 4:14

“and you did not despise that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition, nor express contempt, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.” 

Perhaps you have heard of an evangelist by the name of David Ring (davidring.org). David has cerebral palsy and often refers to it as he preaches. He is known to say, “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your problem?” Some people may be offended by David’s brazen portrayal of the Gospel. In fact, he has been arrested for street preaching against some immoral activity in businesses. But that does not deter David from sharing the message the Lord has given him.

Paul, undoubtedly, had a fairly serious malady while in Galatia. This verse hints at something that may have offended the Galatians. Perhaps his ailment was disfiguring in some way. Maybe an infection caused him to have a physical appearance which could cause some people to turn away. But he praises these Galatians for accepting him “as an angel of God, as Christ Himself.” Their acceptance of him in this condition obviously meant a lot to Paul.

APPLICATION

Okay, here is where the rubber meets the road. What excuse are you using for not sharing the Gospel? Carl, I’m too old. Carl, I’m too weak. Carl, I just too busy. We all have excuses, don’t we? Paul could have used his physical ailment as an excuse (and an understandable one) to take a break until he was better. Look how he describes this in 2 Corinthians 12:7. “Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!”

After asking the Lord to rid him of this “thorn in the flesh” and having that request refused, Paul says this later in that same chapter. “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Can you say that about the excuse you are giving? Will you lay down your excuses and allow the Lord to use you just as you are?

God can use anyone anywhere at any time if they will only submit to His will. Ask the Lord today to show you His will for your life. Ask Him to give you His message to share with others. He will. He’s just waiting on you.

Father, take my weakness and make it strong with Your power and might.

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AMAZED, Angels, Appearance, Bible, God's Will, Heaven, Messages, Scripture

ANGELS?

GALATIANS 3:19

“Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made.”

I know people who have had personal encounters with angels. Now, before you stop reading and mark me off as crazy, why should that amaze you? God has used angels all through history to deliver His messages to individuals. He has sent angels to protect and defend the innocent. So, let’s take a look at some angels today.

Paul speaks of an angelic event that is less familiar. A very strong rabbinical teaching centered around the angelic presence at the time the Law was given. Look at Deuteronomy 33:2. “He said, ‘The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone from Mount Paran, And He came from the midst of myriads of holy ones; At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.’” That “myriads of holy ones” refers to ten thousands of angels. Pretty cool.

APPLICATION

Okay Carl, let’s see you apply this verse to our lives. Don’t you see? We are surrounded by angels. One of my favorite verses has to do with children having their angels. Jesus said in Matthew 18:10, “‘See that you do not look down on one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.’” Did you catch that? “their angels in heaven.

How about the passage that talks about our unknown encounters with angels? Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” I want you to understand that angels are really an everyday thing. We should not be surprised if we have the blessing of such a meeting. I could have gone on and on listing more and more about angels in the Word. Why don’t you do a word search of angels? It might just surprise you.

Let me encourage you, though, should you have an encounter, don’t go around telling everyone. You might get locked up in a hospital, lol. Most people don’t have a box for such things. But we know, as believers in Christ, that He can and does use these heavenly hosts when it is appropriate. Until then, just serve Jesus. Don’t spend your time looking for angels. Spend your time living for Jesus and looking for His return.

And the angels cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come.”

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Abiding, Angels, Battles, Bible, Defense, Enemies, Fortress, Protection, Rescue, Scripture

BOW BENDING

ZECHARIAH 9:13

“For I will bend Judah as My bow, I will fill the bow with Ephraim. And I will stir up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece; and I will make you like a warrior’s sword.”

In past years, I have attempted some archery hunting. Now, when I say “attempted” I mean I wasn’t successful in my hunt. I do not use a regular bow or combine bow when I hunt. I use a crossbow. Mine requires a “cocking rope” to draw back the bow in order to place the arrow (or bolt which are like small arrows made for crossbows). On one trip, I forgot my cocking rope. Try as I might, I could not draw back the bow without it.

God is saying here that He will be the one to draw back the bow and defend His children. I have mentioned one of my favorite verses is Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you, while you remain silent.” God is going to “stir up” Zion. He is going to “make you like a warrior’s sword.” In other words, get ready. Tests and battles are coming. But God has their back.

APPLICATION

He will defend us, or He will equip us for battle. He will never send you in a battle that you cannot handle. With God at our side, no one can defeat us. David’s Psalm 18:2 gives us a great picture of that. “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my savior, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Is that your position with God right now? Is He your stronghold. O dear brother or sister, I pray you are resting in that. I pray that you know God has your back. I pray you know that He is fighting for you daily. Without God’s defense, we would be sitting ducks for the enemy. Most of us couldn’t hold off an infant demon on our own.

If there is one thing I have learned from my study of the Word through Every Man A Warrior, it is that I am living in a spiritual realm that is only visible through spiritual eyes. I now see the enemy at work in places I would have never seen him five years ago. God’s Word has opened my eyes. Be aware of your enemy, beloved. But be more aware of God’s warring angels there to intervene at God’s beckon call.

Father, thank You that You prepare me and accompany me into battle. You are Jehovah Nissi.

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Angels, Bible, Forgiveness, Scripture, Wickedness

STORK WINGS AND A BASKET

ZECHARIAH 5:9

“Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of the stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.”

Once, while walking a beach in Florida, I witnessed an osprey (a large raptor) swoop down and grab a little dog that was walking by its owner. Fortunately, the dog was on a leash. However, this meant that now there was a tug of war between the lady and this bird. I watched as she snatched her dog out of the bird’s talons and back to the beach. (In case you are wondering, as far as I know, the dog lived happily ever after.)

We are near the conclusion of this vision, but not without another strange sight. Zechariah sees two winged women fly down and pick up the ephah with the woman inside and carry it away. Scholars have all sorts of opinions about this verse. No one seems to come to a concrete decision about who these women were and where they were going. It is obvious the wickedness in the basket is being carried away. We have to speculate these women were agents of God who alone has the power to vanquish sin. Let’s leave it at that.

APPLICATION

With that view in mind, we need to see how this verse applies to us. Remember, every verse of Scripture is inspired by God and applicable to us. So, how does this verse apply to us. If you use the explanation that I ended the previous paragraph with, God is the one who has the power to take away our sin. He has done that through His Son, Jesus Christ. I don’t know what the two women in Zechariah’s vision represented. All I know for certain is they carried away the wickedness. Don’t you want God to do that for you?

I am involved in a men’s group that meets each Thursday evening. We are in the book of Romans right now and are in chapter 6. Oh man, is that chapter good. Verse 6 and 7 apply here. “6 …knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for the one who has died is freed from sin.”

Did you catch that? “our body of sin might be done away with.” The Greek word for “done away with” actually means to completely make inoperable. It might as well be carried away and dumped. Once we are in Christ, our old man is dead, gone, done away with. Aren’t you glad? I sure am.

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me; Buried, He carried my sins far away; Rising, He justified freely forever: One day He’s coming—O glorious day!

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