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Angels
There have been plenty of theories expressed about the nature of angels. One far-fetched theory suggested that angels were alien beings from outer space! All speculation aside, let’s briefly consider what the Bible actually says about them.
Both the Hebrew and the Greek words which are translated into our English word “angel” could also be translated into the word “messenger.” Although the word occasionally refers to human messengers, it most often refers to celestial, spiritual, intelligent beings a step above humans in God’s order of creation.
From where do angels come? They are majestic beings created by God before He created the earth (Col. 1:16; Psa. 148:2-5 and Job 38:4-7). Some think that righteous human beings become angels when they die and go to heaven, but this is not so. Angels and men are different beings entirely- angles were created in the beginning as angels. However, it is true that those human beings who reach heaven will become like angles in some respects (Matt. 22:30).
What do angels really look like? Do they have wings and halos? Actually, angels have taken whatever form was necessary for their mission at the time. Sometimes they have appeared in the form of mere humans (Gen 19:1) but at other times in forms of beings much above humans (Luke 1:11,12).
Are angels still active today? It seems so, according to Heb. 1:14. But we are not told exactly what kinds of services they render, just that they continue to serve both God and man.
A Prepared Heart
The Scriptures say, “And Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” (Ezra 7:10). This verse is actually a summary of Ezra’s life and purpose. He was determined to fully accept the Lord’s direction in life. This desire came from deep conviction and reverence for God. This led Ezra to seek out the Lord’s will in His revealed Word, the Scriptures.
Some complain that the Lord’s will is too difficult to understand. But others, like Ezra, have had no problem in understanding it. There is a whole list of just plain, regular folks in Rom. 16 who all understood it quite well. Timothy is said to have understood it from a child.
The fact is, Jesus said that some would never understand. But it was not because of a lack of ability but rather a lack of will. They have unprepared hearts. To understand, Jesus insisted that one must desire to have God in his or her life. He or she must be willing to open eyes, ears and heart.
The parable of the sower sowing seed is a case in point, well illustrating how important it is for us to prepare our hearts to understand and receive the words of Christ (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23). One who is unwilling will often complain it is just too difficult to understand, but Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).
