HOW “ANGELIC” ARE YOU?

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid;

for behold I bring you good news of great joy

which will be for all the people.”

 Luke 2:10

We humans are not angels nor will we ever become angels.  We can, however, learn much from the examples of God’s faithful angels.

Angels are GOOD NEWS MESSENGERS.  In both Hebrew (O.T.) and Greek (N.T.) “angel” means “messenger”.  Four times in the biblical Christmas story we observe angels bringing good news: 1) to elderly Zacharias (Luke 1:5-25), 2) to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), 3) to the disappointed Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) and 4) to the lowly shepherds (Luke 2:8-12, 15-18).

Angels also teach us to be JOYFUL WORSHIPPERS.  In Luke 2:13-14 things really get exciting for the shepherds as a multitude (plethora, innumerable) company of God’s heavenly host (army) praise the Almighty saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  The English word “praise” is derived from “prize” and means to “exalt, lift up, give worth, value and recognition to, magnify, applaud and appreciate as you humble yourself.”

One final thing that angels teach us is to be WILLING SERVANTS of God.  Hebrews 1 emphasizes the fact that Jesus Christ is FAR greater and above any angel, being both God and their Creator.  In vs. 14 He puts angels in their proper place saying they are “all ministering (serving) spirits sent (from God) to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation (us believers).”  In the Bible we see angels serving God (Psalm 103:21) as well as Jesus here on earth (Matthew 4:11).  They also minister to us here incognito and unawares to us (Hebrews 13:1).

We can learn a lot from God’s faithful angelic host.  Are you God’s good news messenger, His joyful worshipper and His willing servant?  How “angelic” are you today?   

Bob Kulp