From time to time, we need to be reminded of the presence and purpose of God’s angels, whose assignment is to help us navigate the perils of this life. For some, the presence of angelic activity sounds strange, even cultic. They may dismiss the present-day activity of angels, yet we see a record of angelic interaction with people in both the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament Scriptures have almost two hundred references to angels.

As the Lord gave instructions to Israel on how to live a covenant life, He mentions angels, “I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him and obey his instructions” (Exodus 23: 20-21). To rebel against the message of an angel is a form of rebellion against the Lord because it was the Lord who sent the angel on assignment on our behalf.

“But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you” (vs 22). This knowledge will prevent us from having to take revenge against adversarial individuals or groups of people. God sees and understands what our adversaries are doing. He has a plan to confront them in His time and in His way. 

There is a promise for those who obey the instruction of angels: “You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness. There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land, and I will give you long, full lives” (vs. 25-26).

There is a danger in our interaction with angels. Since their presence is so spectacular and otherworldly, people have shifted their focus from God to angels. If we remain true to the Lord and serve Him as the one true God, we will never allow ourselves to elevate an angel to God-like status. The highest angels of Heaven are created beings.

An angel in all its majesty and splendor is a servant of God who has been sent on assignment to help God’s people. Their presence is a reminder that we are never alone and without hope in this life, no matter what challenge crosses our path.