thinking about anticipation

This is the season of anticipation for all kinds of reasons

at it's most basic, it's about kids wishing and hoping for a good outcome in the Santa stakes

at it's most hedonistic, it's about the rich variety and kinds of feasts to which we intend to subject our poor bodies - for many that includes more and better plonk of one sort or another

at it's most nostalgic it's about truly schmaltzy movies and co-called carols that are more about what we're hoping for than anything particularly noble

and for some it's about God pushing towards fulfilling promises made of a better life for all people

- in the process catching us by surprise in a way that Christmas carols quote and Christmas Cards emote and church services (try to) promote

Churches all over the world are in a season of celebrating the surprises of God and while looking back to 4 BC in Israel, they also look forward to an unknown time when the Divine will bring a summary weighing of history thus far and of our part in it. Churches also, every week at least, remember with collective sighs of thankful relief that how we do in that assessment is down to how we stand with the unique son of the Divine

This is waht this season of anticipation is all about at heart and why our own petit thrills are just a small symbol of the great reality

So this current discussion about angels is about their part in the story and what that says of our part in it.

not to be messed with

ADVENT TWO

Numbers 22:21-35; Luke 1:5-25

Symbols of holiness

Brightness of robes and face

            Fire and flames

                        Drawn sword

                                    Defying description

                                                Trumpet like voice

When God moves to move you, pay attention!!! The angels He sends with His messages are holy precisely because they have come from a holy place with a holy commission – to relate His purpose to, if only we could believe it, a holy people; yes that’s us.

Here are some things we each need to consider about what is going on when angels bring messages from the Throne Room. 

Their message is serious

This is because the Lord of Hosts is serious about making contact with us, about the significance of revelation and response; thus:

            this message is not to be ignored

                        nor is it to be explained away as wishful thinking or self-deceit

                                    even less is it to be rejected as having little or no value 

Their message is sometimes warning and always promise

            Warning         to change from a direction of rebellion to obedience

                                                to avoid (or turn aside from) danger or error

                                                            to prepare for, or flee from, judgement

            Promises         that God is involved and that He will act

                                                that God’s purpose is always to save and restore

                                                            that God’s purpose will never fail

Their message requires response

NB “No Reply” is not a recognisable option; to refuse to respond is to refuse the message and thereby to refuse not just the messenger but the Sender.

Any message from God, whether by angels, a prompting of the Spirit, or in a word received in prayer or reading demands a “yes”

            amazingly, a “no” is possible as our Father gives the freedom to choose

but know this, once you become aware of a call from God you will answer one way of the other

What’s God’s message to you, His calling on your life?

What’s your answer? By the way, “maybe” is only a provisional “no”

Angels on our Side

ADVENT ONE

Daniel 12:1-4a; Revelation 12:1-12

Unseen companions (an introduction to angels)

Made by God

Spirit-beings – without bodies as we know them

Finite and limited, but not as we know limits

Intelligent, with a will; vast and deep knowledge

Moral nature capable originally of both good and evil

Immortal that is the good already have eternal life

Powerful and organised including a system of ranking (including principalities, powers, thrones and dominions, as well as at least one archangel – Michael)

Innumerable but not reproducing – so always the same number

Varying groups according to purpose and function

Worshippers praising God’s many attributes and works; rejoicing at every new salvation

Guardians though perhaps not as the guardian angels we think of in popular thought

Messengers to reveal God’s encouragement and purpose, and even His nature

Court of heaven before whom we are to be judged; in which they hear and answer the mind of God

Watcher/protectors especially over both individual believers and the Church

Guides taking believers to their peaceful rest with God after death

Enforcers of the judgement of God at the final judgement; of God’s purposes in history

 

Fighting for us

There is a fight against us as those chosen to reveal God’s love to the world – a fight being fought by beings who are characteristically tempters and liars - and then accusers before God’s throne.

 

Their aim is to discourage and destroy trust in God and thereby weaken the cause of Christ

 

The fight is not for us to fight alone – rather than ‘toughen up’, it’s a question of trusting God’s provision; both of His direct aid and the unseen support and intervention of angels.

 

Protecting us

Their role is often stepping in to guard and protect at times of great danger and need

They work for us by holding off and neutralising spirits of discouragement and deception

We may feel their intervention as encouragement in the face of despondency

Historically, angels are known to have opened doors and facilitated the way for moves of revival and evangelism