Saturday, June 29, 2013

In The Beginning - Chapter 2 (Angels)



Chapter 2

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
-- Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)



“We will need another group of beings to be our emissaries to man.  They will be heavenly beings full of power and beauty and will be the messengers of God and the guardians of man.  For those who love Us, they will bear them up in their arms lest they dash their foot against a stone.  They will be called angels.” [i]

“Yes, all in the earthly realm who accept Our gift of love will have the angels for their protection.  They will be active spectators in the lives of man and will interact with him as circumstances dictate.”[ii]

“There will be hosts of angels who oversee the spiritual realm in the earthly regions.  These hosts will be divided into principalities governed by princes -- angels who will oversee the spiritual host in each region.”[iii]

With the nod of His head and a wave of His hand the persona of the triune God known as Jesus the Son opened his mouth and the princes of the heavenly realm were spoken into existence with their hosts.  Immediately thousands upon thousands of heavenly hosts bowed down before him in reverence and awe.

Jesus turned once again to the throne.

“And there will be Our holy guard, the Cherubim who will guard the Most Holy Place.”

Jesus motioned with his hand and there before him appeared a company of Cherubim.  They were covered with eyes so that they could see in all directions at once.  Each Cherub had two massive wings and when they flew the sound of their wings filled the throne room.

Each Cherub also had four faces, one looking in each direction.  Beside them were whirling wheels that followed the Cherubim wherever they went.  Among the wheels were coals of purifying fire. Under their wings were hands with which they could distribute the burning coals. [iv]

They were massive and powerful beings; just as the heavenly host had before them, they bowed with their entire bodies falling prostrate at the feet of the creator of all things.  Jesus acknowledged their reverence with a bowing of his head.  He gave them their charge as the protectors of the throne and the Cherubim immediately took their place at the foot of and on either side of the throne on guard and ever vigilant against any threat or foe.

Once again Jesus addressed the persona of the triune God known as the Father.

“There will be Seraphim who will attend the throne ministering praises to the saints and to God.”

With another gesture of his hand Jesus caused the Seraphim to spring into existence.  These mighty angels had six wings each and upon being created each fell down before God the Son and became still.

“Arise”, said Jesus and they immediately began flapping their wings and rose.  “You are charged with ministering praise to the Living God.  Take your places!”

Immediately, they took their station and began their chant of perfect and unspeakable beauty.  They sang ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!  The whole earth is full of His Glory!”[v]  With two wings they covered their face, unworthy to look up on the countenance of him who is all powerful.  With two they covered their feet unworthy to be seen by him who is all knowing.  And with two they flew, hovering tirelessly above the throne and singing their song of praise.

“We will need a messenger to bring Our good news to the realm of man.  He will represent the God of the Ages and as such will be glorious in majesty.  He will be called ‘God’s Hero’ and his name will be Gabriel.”

With these words Gabriel was spoken into existence.  He shined bright with the glory and beauty of God and he also fell at Jesus’ feet in reverence.  Jesus bent down and touched him and he immediately arose.  “My Lord and My God!” he exclaimed in a loud voice.

With a smile Jesus gave him his charge.  “You are the messenger of God.  You will bring good news to the inhabitants of the earthly realm.  You will be the bringer of great joy.”

Gabriel straightened up tall and sure, smiled widely and replied, “My existence is to serve and I will serve as my Lord commands!”  Sensing there was more to be done, Gabriel moved to his place near the throne and watched with eager anticipation, always alert to hasten to do the will of the Most High God.

“And finally,” said Jesus, “we will create a being of perfect beauty, a guardian cherub who will exceed all others in power and glory.  His power will be exceeded only by Us.  He will be called ‘Son of the Morning’ and his name will be Lucifer.”[vi]

As he spoke these words, a being appeared who was so bright and beautiful that all other created beings paled in comparison.  He stood before the almighty God for the briefest of seconds before bowing deeply to the ground with his forehead touching the floor of the throne room.  “My Lord and my God,” he exclaimed!

“Arise,” commanded Jesus.  With this Lucifer stood to face his God.  “You, Son of the Morning, are different.  You are special.  To you is given charge over all of heaven.  You will be given free will to govern as you see fit.” 

Lucifer gazed around him at the legions of angels under his command.  He looked at the princes and as his gaze fell on each one the response was immediate.  Each in turn bowed in reverence to the one who was to govern all things in heaven.

He looked at the throne where sat God the Father.  He saw the enigmatic persona of God known as the Holy Spirit who permeated everything around them.  He then turned his gaze back to Jesus.  “It will be as you command,” he stated, and took his place near the throne of God, tall and proud.

It was done.  The angels of heaven were created and the stage was set.

Now, legions of angels, majestic and strong, without blemish or blame looked on as Jesus began the creation of the universe, of space and time.


[i] Psalm 91:9-12
[ii] Matthew 18:10; Psalm 91:11;Hebrews 1:14
[iii] Daniel 10:13-21; Daniel 12:1; Ephesians 6:12
[iv] Ezekiel 10:5,6
[v] Isaiah 6:2
[vi] Isaiah 14:12

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