I suppose we all have things that we're intolerant of. Maybe it's a certain type of music, or an actor/actress that you just can't stand. Or perhaps a specific time of year that you simply endure. Maybe you have a friend or family member that drives you nuts. It could be a holiday that you simply don't connect with. Or on and on and on...
My 'thing' is angels! I can't stand the cupid, overly beautiful, all-wings, long-haired, weaponless creations of artists and illusionists. Most images of angels provoke humor or some sentimental feeling. They fail miserably at raising up in us fear and reverence for God Almighty!
And where did this idea come from that we become angels when we get to Heaven? No biblical references teach this!!!
This article is not meant to be a resource on angelology! We can do that at another time and in another place. Simply stated, angels were created by God before He created our world! They are beings that differ significantly from us. There are several terms used in scripture to describe them: angels, seraphim, and cherubim. Some of these are described as having wings.
But let's get to the gist of this peeve. Repeatedly in the scriptures, the presence of angels invokes immediate fear! Even terror! Why else do they so often begin their conversation with us using the words, "Fear not!"
One of the recurring names for God in the Bible is "Jehovah Sabaoth" [Hebrew]. The King James Version rendered this as "Lord of Hosts". The New International Version translates it as "LORD Almighty". Eugene Peterson may be most on target; he uses "God of the Angel Armies".
To see an angel is to be struck with fear! Their appearance must be EXTREMELY intimidating! They are AWESOME creatures created for spiritual warfare!
Consider Matthew's version of Resurrection morning: [28:1-4 TM]
After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. Suddenly the earth reeled and rocked under their feet as God’s angel came down from heaven, came right up to where they were standing. He rolled back the stone and then sat on it. Shafts of lightning blazed from him. His garments shimmered snow-white. The guards at the tomb were scared to death. They were so frightened, they couldn’t move.
These were Roman soldiers! They were the Navy Seals of their day! These were big, strong, confident, arrogant, braggadocios fighters who didn't run from anyone or anything! Yet, this morning, they were paralyzed with fear! That's the affect that God's holy angels have!
But don't get a stereotype in your mind! Debbie and I had the privilege of meeting many Navy Seals who were work associates and friends of Travis' in Honolulu. He was, at that time, assigned as Lieutenant Commander with the team of Seals that he had moved from San Diego to Honolulu. He helped plan their missions. He watched their deployments in a small theater in their base - a few steps from Travis' office. [We were given opportunity to visit his office right after his passing.]
As these seals met us, greeted us and made various comments about Travis, the first thing we noticed was that they were all different. Most were not bulky, huge, musclebound men. Some were tall, others short. Some were heavy, others were thin. All of those we met were kind with their words, highly intelligent, humble and fiercely dedicated to their work! We were impressed!
Similarly, I doubt that our creative God would make all His angelic beings look alike, I don't think God used a form. Some clearly have wings and therefore, must be able to fly. All of them - except the third that were thrown out during Lucifer's rebellion - love and serve God loyally and obediently! They are His messengers and His warriors!
If you need convincing about the warrior aspect of God's holy angels, do yourself a favor and read Daniel 10. Everything mentioned here is drawn out specifically in that passage.
Hebrews 2:16 gives us further insight into our understanding of angels.
For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the seed of Abraham.
There is common agreement that this verse refers to redemption! Angels were created by God to serve His purposes. Unlike us, they have not been 'saved' or 'redeemed'. Johnson Oatman, Jr. captured this many years ago in a hymn titled, "Holy, Holy, Is What the Angels Sing". [1894]
The chorus reads:
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