June 1

The angel of God.—Genesis 21:17.

THE term angel signifies messenger, and is descriptive rather of office, than of essence or character. There are many passages where the name is used in such a way, that it cannot possibly be applied to any created intelligence, however great and dignified. Jesus is styled the Angel of Jehovah, the Angel of his presence, the Angel of his Covenant, none of which titles are applied to the created spirits, who worship before God. It is quite impossible to understand many of the ancient appearances, only as applicable to the Son of God. The angel who appeared to Hagar, said to her of Ishmael, "I will make him a great nation." The angel who appeared to Abraham, said, "lay not thine hand upon the lad, for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." So also the angel that wrestled with Jacob is called by the prophet Hosea, the Lord of Hosts; and it is said, Jacob had power with God, and prevailed. The angel who appeared to Moses, out of the midst of the bush, afterwards claimed the essential and incommunicable name of Jehovah, and said, "I AM THAT I AM." There are many other appearances specified, which can only be applied to Christ; the uncreated angel of Jehovah's presence, the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. Over all other angels, Jesus hath an infinite pre-eminence. They are finite beings, he is the Lord, infinite in all his perfections, and by whom angels were created. He is an angel, only in reference to the mediatorial work which he undertook, as the voluntary Redeemer of the world, as a messenger from heaven to earth, from God to man. He is an angel entirely for our welfare and salvation, as such let us receive him as the true messenger of mercy, as our only covenant head, and as our infallible guide to eternal glory.