Angels and Humans: Ten Ways Angels Help People

We live in a day when belief in angels is cool and widespread. But everything I have learned and experienced about angels is rooted in what the Bible says about angels. Though angels are like assistants to God, they also do much for human beings. The Bible declares that angels are " all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation" ( Hebrews 1:13-14). In other words, God sends angels to serve those who are on their way to Heaven.

Here are few of the important ways angels "minister" or meet our needs on earth. (Read the Scriptures cited in each statement to confirm or counter my conclusions. Don't take my word for it.)

1. Angels watch over us, as security guards do for high officials; Psalm 91:11-12.

2. Angels defend and protect us from destruction. (a) Angels snatched Lot and his family out of Sodom before the city went up in flames; Genesis 19:15-17. (b) Angelic help gave Israel military victory over the nations of Canaan; Exodus 33:2.

3. Angels direct and guide us on our journey towards God's destiny. An angel led the Israelites into the Promise Land; Exodus 23:20.

4. Angels confront and correct us when we stray from God's path or when we doubt God's promise. These angelic corrections may come through a preacher, friend, or even a total stranger. (a) An angel rebuked the Israelites when they forsook Yahweh; Judges 2:1-5. (b) Gabriel, the chief messenger of Heaven, suspended Zecharias' ability to speak due to the man's unbelief; Luke 1:18-20.

5. Angels warn and instruct us about impending dangers. This often happens in our dreams. An angel warned Joseph to flee to Africa with Mary and Baby Jesus; Matthew 2:13-15.

6. Angels enlighten us about events and circumstances that directly impact our lives. Again, this frequently happens through dreams. An angel gave Joseph the green light to return from Africa to Israel, because things were now safe for Mary and Jesus; Matthew 2:19-22.

7. Angels stand with us during times of temptation, trial or scarcity. Jesus received angelic assistance as He battled Satan in the wilderness about the direction of His messianic ministry; Mark 1:13.

8. Angels empower and strengthen us to endure difficult circumstances. An angel enabled Jesus to endure the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane; Luke 22:41-44.

9. Angels deliver us from peril. An angel escorted the Apostle Peter from a prison cell; Acts 12:5-10.

10. Angels assist us to complete our ministry or God-given assignment. During the Apostle Paul's stormy ride on a ship to Rome, an angel assured him of safe arrival in Rome; Acts 27:22-24.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the many ways angels are involved in our lives. With all this help from angels, we may be inclined to petition or pray to angels. While that may be true of popular spirituality, it is patently unbiblical to pray to angels. The biblical response to angelic help is to petition or thank the God who lovingly assigns us these powerful heavenly messengers and guardians. The Bible forbids worship of angels; worship only belongs to Almighty God who is Lord both of angels and humans ( Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9). ~mogama~