Part Two of The Angel Series
You and I are created in God’s image. The Hebrew word used in Genesis that describes us as His image is a very unique word. Only in the telling of our creation is this particular word—translated as image—used. This suggests that we are more than a reflection or vague shadow of God. We are His image in the sense that He used His own design in the making of humanity. This sets us apart from God’s other creations: the animals and angelic beings and whatever else He has created.
Now, granted, we are mostly a hot mess because of the fall. Nevertheless, we remain set apart because our design is patterned upon God’s own. Now, why am I starting an article about angels with a discussion about design? I am hoping to head off any inordinate fear you may have.
Most of us have been taught to fear becoming proud or of stepping out of line lest we incur God’s displeasure. This often leads us to live small, fearful lives instead of embracing the joy and challenges of risking and failing; learning and growing that the Lord counsels us about in Matthew 25. In the parable of the talents, God reveals that He rewards thoughtful risk-taking but frowns upon extreme timidity. Now, I have learned the hard way to only follow the Spirit of the Lord in my risk-taking. So, let wisdom guide you. Still, do not shrink from taking risks or experimenting because of fear.
On to the subject of angels
I had a dream or what some would call a night vision. In my dream, I was lying in the dirt, face down. Four men were kneeling around me. One of those men turned me over, lifting up my head and shoulders. He was extraordinarily beautiful. They all were beautiful, but not in the same way that humans are beautiful. They lacked that earthiness we have, and there was nothing at all sensual about them.
I realized that I was seeing angels. As I looked into the face of the one lifting me up, I saw that he was filled with love. But the love that filled him was not personal to me or about me. He was simply a container of God’s love.
This is what he said: “Do not be afraid. We have slaughtered your enemies.” As I looked into his face, I thought groggily, that my enemies sure did not act slaughtered. Then I woke up.
Was my experience weird? Not at all. Angels delivering messages from God are a common occurrence in the Bible. Daniel, Mary, Joseph, Zacharias, the shepherds keeping watch, the wise men, the women at the tomb, the people watching Jesus ascend, Cornelius, John, and others all received messages from angels. They appear to have understood their messages better than I did though. I found the message delivered to me baffling.
Over the weeks, as I prayed about the message, I recalled little mini-visions I had been having—flashes of angels standing about filing their nails; yawning and leaning against walls. They looked bored. I would see them from the corner of my eye as I went about my day. Nothing very noticeable, and if I wasn’t a prayer minster who spends HOURS looking and listening in the spirit, I would have dismissed those little insights into the spirit world.
Then, out of the blue, a stranger called me to report that she, too, was seeing these flashes of angels, hanging about filing their nails (of all things), appearing to be bored. Adding these mini-visions to my nighttime vision, I began to ask the Lord what on earth is happening? With a nudge from Holy Spirit, I started asking my angels to do things for me. I asked them to attack any demonic beings that were troubling my home and, especially, to break the drought that was prevailing over the region where I live.
That experiment resulted in very little shift. The drought worsened and demonic activity continued. Until one day, in the Room of Revelation (also known as the bathroom), as I was once again ASKING (begging really) my angels to break the drought, I heard an insistent voice saying, “Command me!”
Very startled, I stuttered out, “I command you, angels, to break the drought.” And they did. That was several winters ago and we enjoyed record rainfall which resulted in a complete recovery from a devastating drought. Coincidence? Perhaps.
Except I did not stop there. I might have gone a little wild commanding my angels as I tested out my new tool, but I have learned a lot. First, I learned that angels will not obey me when I tell them to do something that is not the will of God. Good to know that I am safe from my own stupidity.
Also, I have learned that angels are soldiers and servants. Soldiers and servants do not take initiative. They take orders. This means that as much as they might want to help, unless they are ordered to help, they don’t. Therefore, asking does not work with angels. They must be told.
I am well aware that the idea of bossing around angels makes some people nervous while others will have the pleasure of being offended by the very idea. Nonetheless, scripture declares that angels are servants sent by God to serve us. Because they are servants they follow orders. No orders? Then they stand around, leaning against walls, filing their nails, bored out of their minds. My angels are much happier slaughtering my enemies.
Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14
When Jesus stood before Pilate, He said this: “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53
“Put at my disposal,” the Lord said. In other words, angels would be given to Jesus to put to work as He pleased. It is the same for us. We, of course, are not wise in all things, so a nice safety net is in place to ensure that the angels only fulfill the tasks and follow the orders we give them as they align with God’s will. Yes. I learned that by experimenting.
Let me encourage you to be daring in your faith. Do not let this world beat you down and keep you afraid. The Lord is with you. He rejoices over you. Listen to who He says you are. This is from Psalm 8:4-6.
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Yet You have made him a little lower than God (Elohiym),
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet …
I highly recommend putting your angels to work by telling them what you need help with. They will appreciate it. An angel can only file his nails for so long.
Try starting with simple tasks. It is ok to say, “Angels. If you are able help me open this jar, help me.” Or, “Angels, help me finish this yard work.” Remember to be respectful. Say thank you when they help you.
God bless,
Susan
(Originally published January 20, 2018)
