14 Angelic Assistance
Angelic Assistance
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it!" Hebrews 13:2 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalms 91:11 "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." Psalms 34:7
"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly!" Hebrews 12:22 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14
See, O my soul, what Omnipotence, under the influence of love and unbounded affection, can do! Could you ever think, when you were so lately a poor groveling worm, a companion of fools, a slave to appetite and passion, and a willing captive of Satan, that you should enjoy such honor — to entertain angels? Does it not greatly endear those glorious beings to us, to hear that they are all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who are heirs of salvation; and to find that amidst all the troubles and dangers of the wilderness, the Angel of the Lord encamps round about those who fear Him? Is it not a distinguished privilege, that while evil spirits are doing their utmost to distress and destroy us — they are ever ready to confirm; and warn, and defend, and comfort us? Will it not give us an inexpressible pleasure in our dying moments to have a guard of angels around our beds, to take the charge of our departing souls, and convey them safely to Abraham’s bosom? Should we not think ourselves infinitely obliged to him that would introduce us to them; as next to the enjoyment of God himself, being one of the highest honors of which we are capable? This then, Christian, has our Savior done; thus highly are we advanced by the gospel. For those who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world can die no more, for they are equal to the angels, and are the children of God.
We are come to an innumerable company of angels. We enjoy a communication and participation with them, in their privileges, pleasures, and advantages. We are subjects of the same kingdom, citizens of the same city, dear to the same God and Father. We shall behold the same glory, feel the delightful fervors of the same love, receive the communications of the same life, and bear our part in the same hallelujahs.
We are also come to the angels, by our conformity to their tempers and designs. They are called seraphs, from their fervent zeal and activity. And, oh, how does the grace of the gospel assimilate our views and tempers to theirs! As the light of the knowledge of God, in the face of Jesus Christ, has enlightened us — so His love shed abroad in our hearts, through the Holy Spirit, has made us fervent, and constrained us to obedience. Like those blessed spirits, we feel that to please God is our delight. That His glory in the success of the gospel is our prevailing desire; that our services are spiritual; and that we echo back a cheerful amen to the ascriptions of blessing, honor, glory, and power, which are made by the heavenly host, to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever! This conformity, which is begun on earth, will before long be completed in Heaven — that world of everlasting harmony and blessedness.
We have come to the angels, as we have a particular interest in their esteem and affections. They love us because we love God and the Savior. Our likeness to God, as imperfect as it is, conciliates and confirms their regard. They long for our perfection, and will most cheerfully congratulate our entrance into Heaven. Who can describe the exultations of that day, when the whole family, both in Heaven and earth, shall sit down together? What ecstasies of joy — what transports of affection — what expressions of mutual delight — will that glorious meeting produce!
Come, Christian, awake psaltery and harp. Call upon your souls, and all that is within you, to assist while you are worshiping with angels. Let us tune our harps to the highest strains of gratitude and praise, while we join the songs of that harmonious assembly. They love to see us active, and warm, and cheerful. Those ministers of His who do His pleasure, who hearken to the voice of His word — shame our slothful and reluctant services. While they cease not, day or night, from crying, with a loud voice, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God!" — we may blush at our low intermitting praises, which can scarcely be distinguished from sighs and complaints. Be all life and joy then, O favored child of God. You have reason for it — for all is yours! You are admitted to an innumerable company of angels; endeared to their God; entitled to their happiness; engaged in their services; and bound by covenant to be conformable to them in their temper and practice.
"Bless the Lord, you his angels — who excel in strength, who do his commands, hearkening to the voice of his word. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, you ministers of his, who do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion! Bless the Lord, O my Soul."