ANGELIC SUPPORT AND PROTECTION

Ever since they witnessed the creation of the first humans, faithful spirit creatures have shown keen interest in the growing human family and in the outworking of God's purpose. (Proverbs 8:30, 31; 1 Peter 1:11, 12)  With the passing of time, however, the angels observe that most of the human family turned away from serving their loving Creator.  No doubt this saddened the faithful angels.  On the other hand, whenever even one human returns to Jehovah, 'joy arises among the angels." (Luke 15:10)  Since angels have such deep concern for  the welfare of those who serve God, it is no wonder that Jehovah has repeatedly used angels to strengthen and protect his faithful servants on earth.  (Hebrews 1:7, 14)  Consider some examples. 

Two angels helped the righteous man Lot and his daughters to survive  the destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom  and Gomorrah by leading them out of that area.  (Genesis 19:15, 16)  Centuries later, the prophet Daniel was thrown into a lion's pit, but he escaped harm and said: "My own God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions." (Daniel 6:22) In the first century C.E., an angel freed the apostle Peter from prison.  (Acts12:6-11) Moreover, angels supported Jesus at the start of his earthly ministry.  (Mark 1:13)  And shortly before Jesus' death, an angel appeared to Jesus  and "strengthened him."  (Luke 22:43) What a comfort that must have been for Jesus at those very important times in his life!  

Today, angels no longer appear visibly to God's people on earth.  Although invisible to human eyes, God's powerful angels still protect his people, especially from anything spiritually harmful.  The Bible says:  "The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those  fearing him, and he rescues them."  (Psalm 34:7) Whey should those words  be of great comfort to us? Because there are dangerous wicked spirit creatures who want to destroy us!  Who  are they? Where do they come from? How are they trying to harm us? To find out, let us briefly consider something that happened at the start of human history. 
Note: I think you can guess who this is that is trying to destroy us. Satan.

Next time: SPIRIT CREATURES WHO ARE OUR ENEMIES

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006