From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: Our Bible study group has been reading about the appearances of angels in the Bible and comparing them to the entertainment world’s depiction of angels as in the latest movie Ordinary Angels. Pop culture does seem to have a fascination with angels, but we think they’ve missed the mark in depicting the truth about angels. What’s the real story on angelic appearances? – R.A.

 

Dear R.A.: Angels are beings who help people against evil forces, and they do perform certain duties. The truth about angels is that they are sent by God to carry out His commands. In the Bible, there are several instances when angels revealed themselves to man. Angels are prominent in Old Testament passages. But perhaps the most famous appearance occurs in the New Testament, when Mary is visited by an angel and told that she is to bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

But in most cases, angels are invisible. This does not make them any less real. Our ability to see angels or not to see them has nothing at all to do with their existence and their role in protecting us from certain harms. However, we are never to pray to an angel or worship an angel, but we can certainly thank God for the work of His angels. “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word” (Psalm 103:20, NKJV). The angels are sent to do the work of the Lord and He is the One we must worship.

The empire of angels is as vast as God’s creation. But His love is expressed in the creation of the human race. Our awe and thanks should always be to our Creator who cares for us; even the angels praise Him. “Praise the Lord … all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon … all you stars of light! … Let them praise the name of the Lord” (Psalm 148:1–3, 5, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)