January 16
“Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him,
and a light shone in the prison;
and he struck Peter on the side
and raised him up, saying, ‘Arise quickly!’
And his chains fell off his hands.”
Acts 12:7
Most believers, without realizing it, have been helped by an angel probably more often than they have any idea. Oftentimes it’s in impossible circumstances, when God will have an angel provide the help needed. We serve a supernatural God, who sometimes uses supernatural means to help us. But almost always – we will be TOTALLY UNAWARE until we look back and realize we had supernatural help. In the passage above, if you continue reading to verse 11, you find Peter realizing that he was escorted out by an angel – only after the angel left.
“Are they not all ministering spirits
sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”
Hebrews 1:14
YES – HOWEVER….
There is a warning. We are not to make the subject of angels some kind of fascination. The very fact that they come into our lives and most often leave before we are aware indicates that they do NOT want attention brought to themselves. They are not seeking glory. God will not allow his glory to be given to an angel, and anyone who does that – is in idolatry. The “New Age” practice of having angel statues is idolatry.
Know one thing: you will never be aware of it when God sends an angel to help you in any way. They AVOID being known lest the person commit idolatry. The person will not realize that an angel assisted him until after the angel has left.
Our attention must always be on the Lord who sent help, for it is HE who provides our help in time of need.
