Last November, Father Stephen, an Orthodox priest and convert, posted a commentary that really struck a chord.
Father Stephen recounted his disappointment when told, by another priest, that he saw “no need” for angels (he was an Anglican seminarian at the time). In fairness, it seems reasonable to assume that the Holy Spirit can do anything the angels and archangels can. God after all, is God.
To think of God and angels in this way, is, in a very real sense to misunderstand not just God and the angels, but also their relationship to us, and the true freedom of worship.
The book of Revelation speaks of a spiritual battle between the Chief Captain of the Heavenly Hosts the Archangel Michael, and the old serpent Satan. Satan is defeated by Michael, in person, and is cast down to earth. At this point, John hears a loud and audible voice saying:
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”
In other words, the very same authority that has been handed down to Jesus Christ by God, is available to the Church, if they call on the Name.
October 26, 2008 at 9:38 pm |
How many Christmas cards, pagents and such like portray the “heavenly host” that filled the sky above the shepherds as a choir? And often with beautiful women at that. When the Old Testament talked about a host, it is always in reference to an army. The first thing the shepherds are told is to not be afraid. The heavenly host was more likely an angelic army with swords drawn than a choir with hymn books. They were surely escorting Jesus into this world as an infant baby, vunerable to the attacks of Satan and his forces.
October 26, 2008 at 9:43 pm |
We shall fear (be in awe of) the LORD, and nobody else.
October 26, 2008 at 9:48 pm |
Good point on spiritual warfare. What I meant by Gog Magog comment was this, that there’s not much one can do with a divided church.
October 26, 2008 at 9:55 pm |
I was noting that angels conduct warfare, sometimes in spiritual places, at other times right before our eyes. I don’t get you Gog and Magog statement. Are you agreeing or disagreeing with me?