Do you notice anything in this passage that reminds you of what we read on Easter Sunday? When the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body, a young man in a white robe was sitting at the entrance of the tomb. He said to the women,"Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" (Mark 16:6-7)
The Book of Acts starts about 40 days after Jesus is raised from the dead. He has spent time with the disciples, preparing them for the days ahead. Suddenly, he is taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud him him from their sight (Acts 1:9). Take a look at the next two verses:
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:10-11).
Did you know that angels are referenced in scripture more than 200 times? These men dressed in white are angels delivering important messages to Jesus' followers. I would love to have an angel appear to me, although, like the disciples, the experience could be a frightening one.
In these Pandemic times, we are constantly in prayer for those who have been infected with corona virus. Many lives have been lost. Doctors and nurses are being exposed to this virus as they care for those who are sick. My daughter is a nurse at a major medical center in Philadelphia, and her boyfriend is a critical care/pulmonary physician. Joanna is very afraid for her boyfriend's health as everyday he goes to work, he is caring for Covid 19 patients.
One day as I was praying for both of them, a picture of angels watching over them seemed very real to me. I have kept that image in my head as I continue to pray for God's safety and protection. Angels bring messages of hope, as they did to the disciples at the tomb and then after Jesus had ascended to heaven. They also watch over us and protect us.
Here are a couple of verses that illustrate the role of protection that angels can bring to us:
”For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.“ Psalm 91:11
”For it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully.’” Luke 4:10
”The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalm 34:7
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14
Artists have depicted angels as sweet, chubby creatures with wings. Not so. God created them; they serve Him; and they glorify Him and they do His will. Thank you, Lord, for your good gifts. Amen.
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