Have you ever wondered about angels? What do they look like? Will you recognize them if you see them? Do they have an aura about them? Do they all have wings? Are there different types of angels? What would you do if you saw one? Do you believe there are angels?
We do not see angels discussed often in the Bible, but when we do, they are doing prominent work for God. The two most often spoke of angels are Gabriel and Michael. One is a messenger and the other a warrior. There are a few occasions the angel mentioned is not named.
Joseph was to marry the young Mary. They had been betrothed, which is a more binding arrangement than an engagement as we know it. In fact, the only way to back out of a betrothal was by divorce. The reason for a divorce when betrothed must abide by the reasons required to divorce if you were married. So, he could not break it off with Mary just because he changed his mind.
Mary becomes pregnant. Joseph was a faithful follower of the law. It appears Mary has violated the law. Joseph evidently loves and respects Mary for he doesn’t want to shame her, embarrass her, or make a big scene. So, he decides he will divorce her quietly and hope people don’t notice when the wedding ceremony never happens, and Mary remains with her parents.
Before he can follow through, an angel shows up to tell Joseph not to go through with the divorce. Though we are not told explicitly, it is reasonable to assume it was Gabriel who came to Joseph, just as he came to Mary. Joseph does as he was told and keeps Mary to be his wife.
As we go about our lives, we hear of strange occurrences that happen. We wonder if we have encountered an angel. Perhaps we have. If we believe we have and the angel gave us instruction that agrees with Gods Word, we would do well to follow it. For if the angel is from God, God has sent him to us for a reason.
I pray we all believe there are angels. I pray we believe angels carry out God’s instructions. I pray each one of us seek to follow God’s instructions, especially if an angel appears to us. Believe there are angels. Seek to follow God’s instructions. Trust God. Trust his messengers.
Matthew 1:19-21 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Marty Pressey 