Angelic Protection

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:19-23)

When the Bible uses the phrase a certain man, it means that Jesus wasn’t telling an illustrative parable. He was talking about an actual person in an actual situation. This certain man was very rich. He spent his life in luxury and abundance while never even considering how he could help poor Lazarus, a destitute beggar who must have lived nearby. Eventually, both men died. Angels carried Lazarus to Abraham's bosom, or paradise, while the rich man found himself tormented in hell.

I want to highlight the fact that, as believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God's angels are actively involved in our lives, serving as guardians and guides. Even when those who have the means and ability to support do not do so, you’ve got angels on your side. They are agents of God’s will, always looking to see how they can operate on your behalf.

At the end of your life on earth, your assigned angel will bring you to heaven; they can even intervene to make the move from earth to heaven a little easier. Sometimes, just before a fatal accident, an angel will snatch the spirit of the person they are assigned to before the crash happens. The people see the aftermath of a disfigured and gruesome body, but the believer didn’t suffer. They were escorted into glory.

Practical Application

Thank God for His angelic protection. When you notice an accident happen on the road ahead of you, or you’re able to avoid problems at home or on the job, don’t consider it good luck. Thank God for angelic protection.

Matthew 24:31; 2 Kings 2:11

Angels Remind Us of God’s Promises

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. (Acts 27:21-26)

In Acts 27, we read about what possibly was one of Paul’s worst days. He was imprisoned on a boat full of hardened criminals and Roman soldiers in an increasingly anti-Semitic world. Not only was that bad enough, but his ship had also been going through a storm for days. The sky was so black with clouds they couldn’t even see the sun. The passengers were sick and couldn’t eat. Their boat was being thrashed about as if it were a toy. Since the sun, moon, and stars were hidden by the clouds, they couldn’t get their bearings; the captain of the ship couldn’t even tell where they were or what direction they were going.

When we read about storms in the Bible, we should remember that they didn’t have the protection and safety technology we have today. People often died in voyages in the first century. By all practical standards, it looked like this boat would sink and all on board would drown.

When the situation seemed impossible, God sent Paul an angel with a word of comfort and reassurance. The messenger from God said that despite the turbulent circumstances, not a single life would be lost on board the ship if they followed his instructions. Paul got up and encouraged everyone on the ship because He was assured that God had a plan and made him a promise, and he knew God always keeps His promises.

Practical Application

God sends angels to believers to not only bring protection but also to bring comfort, guidance, and protection during chaotic moments.

Revelation 1:1; Daniel 6:22

Entertaining Angels

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:1-2)

I’ve heard many stories of people who encountered strangers who helped them, gave them wisdom, or a message from God and then disappeared without a trace. That was an angel. Angels can take on the form of a man or woman and can go in and out of physical form.

These encounters happen more regularly than some think. Most people who encounter these moments simply don’t pay attention to it or dismiss it as a figment of their imagination.

Angels are among us every day. Paul (whom I believe to have penned the book of Hebrews) explained that, although we do not worship angels, when given the opportunity, we should show God’s love and hospitality towards them. In all practicality, we should be hospitable to everyone since we can’t always tell who is an angel.

Abraham entertained angels and honored God by the way he treated them. He offered them food and drink, honoring them as messengers of God. I guarantee you that at some point in your life, your angel has delivered you, saved you, protected you, or even given you some godly wisdom. So, be cautious about how you treat others, because you don’t want to disrespect or dishonor the angels God has sent to help you.

Practical Application

Although we do not worship angels, we should jump at the opportunity to honor those God has assigned to our lives. Pay attention to a word of wisdom from a stranger, a helping hand or a support, and be open to the ministry of angels in your everyday life.

Genesis 18:2; Matthew 25:35