Of men and angels

'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.'

Now there's a bit of a sentence!  So let me try and say that in easier English.

'Do not forget to look after strangers, because some people have received and cared for angels without them even knowing they were angels.'

So, let's talk about angels for a few minutes.

The Bible speaks of angels quite a bit, so it is well worth seeing seeing what it says.

They are supernatural beings. The vast majority are occupied in the service of Almighty God. Another unknown but lesser number are known as 'Fallen angels' sold out to Satan, and are the sworn enemies of God. Their destiny is the Lake of Fire (Hell), eternal torment, and the blackness of darkness forever.

There are uncountable multitudes of good ones that are commissioned to minister to God's people, i.e. the true Believers in Jesus Christ and all those who are yet to be saved. But what does the word 'minister' mean in every-day language? Well, they are sent to watch over and give assistance at times to God's people, even though they may not be seen most of the time. 

However, the Book of Hebrews tells us not to neglect taking care of strangers, for you may not be aware that sometimes a stranger may in fact be an angel come to visit you. (Hebrews 13:1) 

They are also called upon to deliver messages to individuals from time to time, which we can see in the case of Gideon (Judges 6).

Angels are also sent to examine situations in countries, in governments, and in individuals, and report back to God's counsel. We see this in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah in particular (It is not that God does not know absolutely everything, but He always acts righteously and sends His angels (and ministers like Jonah) to give warning or bring report, so that there is no opportunity for mankind to offer any excuse for their rebellious behaviour. 

There are many false prophets and preachers out there who claim to have met and even to know personally some angel or another, but that's what false teachers do. They make up stories to try and get themselves a big congregation and platform praise and fame. Leave them alone, for one day they too must give an account to God for their lies and deceptions.

The Bible speaks of 'the LORD of hosts' 235 times, and what that refers to is the multitudes of His angels at His command who are also spoken of as mighty warriors and the armies of heaven. He has an awesome and  mighty army such as this world could never comprehend, but one day shall see. And it will be too late then to get made right with God.

The Bible says that makind was made 'a little lower than the angels', but in eternity we shall be higher than the angels and will rule and reign with Christ Jesus forever.