Tim Woodall spoke about angels last Sunday evening. He began by showing how the Psalmist regarded these messengers from God. "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure" (Ps 103:20-21).
We looked at some of the many Bible accounts of angels at work, especially their announcements of great events in God's purpose. It was angels who informed the aged Abraham and Sarah that they were to have a son from whom would descend a great nation (Genesis 10-18). The promise was fulfilled. Isaac was born, and the continued existence of the Jewish people still testifies to the truth of the angels' words - and the continuity of God's purpose.
The great news of the Lord's birth came to the shepherds of Bethlehem in the words of an angel. "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).
Again, it was two angels in white who stood by the bewildered disciples, as they watched their Lord ascend into heaven. There was a wonderful certainty in the angels' words. "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
Throughout the ages, faithful believers have cherished that promise and know that it cannot be long before it is fullfilled. Meanwhile, they can be thankful for the assurance that "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" (Ps 34:7). God's unseen servants are always at work.