My son brought a dog home. It wasn’t his dog. He was doing a friend a favor and watching the dog for the week-end. The dog’s name was “Angel”, but she wasn’t. The dog wasn’t an angel at all. She used our floor for a bathroom several times and she did her share of whining for sure. The name did not reflect her nature.
Can you imagine what our phone books would look like if people were named based on their nature? What if some great defining moment labeled you for the rest of your life? There have been cultures and times when people were named in such a way. Names had meaning. My kids know about meaningful names.
In a style slightly similar to something Native American, I have assigned some special “Indian names” to our family members. Our bathroom is often occupied by “Long Shower.” “Three Alarms” is difficult to wake. And the perfect name for our dog who will eat anything and everything, “Walking Stomach.” No. Our dog would never be named Angel either. Walking Stomach fits her just fine. The name Angel should be reserved for something much better.
Usually when I think of Angels, I think of beings who are messengers of God. Beings who show up and announce that something very important is about to happen. Certainly I have read many scriptures where they filled that role. However I recently read a passage that made me realize just how much of a blessing they can be.
When Jesus faced some of his greatest battles, angels were there, ministering to him. At his birth, they were there. In the wilderness after being tempted, they were there. In the garden before the cross, they were there. They were there, ministering to him. Helping. Healing. Caring.
Here is the part that really blesses me: If Jesus needed their care during the rough points in his life, might we not expect the same ourselves? God provided his heavenly ministers to be there when Jesus needed them most. And for those of us who call him Lord, I believe he will do no less.
But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:13-14