An Army for Us

The other day I came across an hour long program on TV highlighting Arnold Palmer and "Arnie's Army". It was quite interesting and being a "Master's Tournament" fan I really enjoy it. Over the next few days that word "Army" seemed to stay in my brain. Several times it popped out at me like it was a neon sign...Ollie's Army, United States Army, Army of Tourist, Army of Photographers.  I figured God was prompting me so I took a few minutes to pray, look through my bible and browse my study notes.  

Angels really do exist and the meaning of the word angel comes the Greek word and Hebrew word meaning "messenger".  They really do exist , who are heavenly bodies not bound by human constraints. They exist for the sole purpose of praising God and carrying out his will; to do the will of God, "to be His messengers, guides, providers, protectors, deliverers, encourages, as a means of answering prayers, caring for us at the moment of death, and defenders of us and of truth".  "God's faithfulness is a protecting shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon. For God commands His army of angels to guard you in all your ways. With their hands they shall support you lest you strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91: 4-6,11-12). WOW!

And there are different types of angels that have different functions. There are the ones we speak of every Christmas...Seraphim and Cherubim...dedicated to the contemplation of God. For me these two are forever etched in my mind of a lifetime Christmas reading of "The Littlest Angel"! Then there are Archangels, Angels, and Principalities..."For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to separate us from the love of God"...dedicated as God's messengers.  And then there are a few more..Powers, Dominions, Virtues...govern the universe in its totality. Take about HIS army...the commander in chief sure has us covered!

God's army of angels have always played an important role in God's plan for us. In the book of Genesis angels came to Sodom and warned Lot...an angel stopped Abraham before he killed his son, Isaac "And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I". and the angel said, ".Do not lay your hand on your son, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son  from me." (Genesis 22:12-13)..and an angel wrestled with Jacob (Genesis 19, 22, 32). In the book of Exodus we have an angel appearing to Moses out of the burning bush "There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. (Exodus 3:2)...an angel "passed over" Egypt enabling Moses and the Jews to escape (Exodus 3, 12). How about the angel that called Gideon to form an army and an angel that brought miraculous news to the soon to be mother of Samson (Judges 6,13). Angels released the apostles from prison and encouraged them to keep preaching after their release in the book of Acts (5). In Acts 27 an angel told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the impending shipwreck. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16) the angels carried the spirit of Lazarus to Abraham's bosom when he died. And these are just a few examples hopefully  to spark a desire in you to do some studying. Apparently angles are mentioned over 300 times in the bible.

I have only scratched the surface of this fascinating topic. But after reading and studying this for just a few short days I feel more in awe of this almighty God..my El Shaddai. I can't help but feel more protected, more peaceful, more loved and cared for.  Our Almighty has provided us with an army...an army covering us with his will at the very raising of His hand...protecting us, bringing us messages, providing for us, defending us, guiding us, encouraging us. Open your bible and read the incredible stories of "God's Army of Heavenly Hosts"! WOW!


"For in Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16

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