The Bible has much to say about an unseen world that is more real than the
visible realm we currently operate in - within ‘fleshly tents’ that we know
of as ‘our bodies.’ This realm comprises of a kingdom of light & of a
kingdom of darkness that is constantly at battle. But I wonder how many
people realize the effects of this particular & unique realm on our
everyday, breathing, walking around lives?
This is a realm not seen by our physical eyes. Specifically, the kingdom of
God is a spiritual kingdom & not visible because God is not visible.
Specifically, God is Himself, Spirit. Jesus Christ Himself said of His
own kingdom: “the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21.
‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.’
Heb. 11:1 & 3.
“‘Then He (Jesus) will also say to those on the left hand, ‘depart from Me,
you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil & his angels:’”
Matt 25:41
‘For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood, but principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.’ Eph. 6:12
In fact, the above scripture provides quite a snap-shot for us, highlighting
the organized nature of the invisible realm & the descending order of
authority of specified invisible beings with varying levels of responsibility.
Beyond ‘flesh & blood’ we wrestle principalities, powers, rulers & hosts of
wickedness. To ‘wrestle’ means to fight by gripping & pushing at times using
special holds to force the opponent onto the mat.
Paul the Apostle had the experience many times of being gripped & pushed with
special holds. He knew first-hand of being ‘on the mat.’ He had been
shipwrecked, stoned, beaten, whipped, imprisoned, left for dead & incarcerated.
So it is for every believer who will in their lifetime see resistance that
comes in the form of principalities & powers in the invisible realm.
But just as there are principalities & powers, so too do the angels have
archangels & higher powers. In God’s tremendous order, He uses the prayers of
His on people to restrain malevolent activity & to facilitate the activities
of angelic powers to confront & overcome spiritual hosts of wickedness.
This is demonstrated very clearly in the book of Daniel 10:10 -14 when
Daniel’s prayers were initially resisted by an evil angel in the heavenlies
whom was acting out his assignment: to hold the captive Israelites from
returning to their homeland. However, Daniel’s prayers were eventually
ushered through, with the assistance of Michael, a ruling archangel:
‘He raised me to my hands & knees & then said “Daniel, your God thinks very
highly of you, & he has sent me. So stand up & pay close attention.” I stood
trembling, while the angel spoke:
“Daniel, don’t be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day
you humbly asked for understanding, & he has sent me here. But the guardian
angel of Persia has withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one
of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia.
Now I have come here to give you another vision about what will happen to your
people in the future.’”
This insightful passage highlights for us the powerful influence that angelic
beings exercise over national issues & the affairs of ordinary men. Noteworthy
also is the premise of imbibing God’s own people with visions. How amazing for
us to realize that our earthly struggles in the temporal realm are often a
reflection of vigorous conflict in the heavenly, eternal realm.
How wonderful to know that the angels, our invisible hosts perpetuate a myriad
ministry, as, described in Ps. 103:20, 21 being service, facilitating his plans,
to heed the voice of God’s own as spoken through the believers on earth,
to minister, to do His will.
‘Praise the Lord, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out divine
plans, listening for each & every command. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of
angels who serve him & do his will! Ps. 103:20, 21.
A popular Psalm & prayer for protection & solace for many is Psalm 91 which
offers much comfort on the personal activity of guardian angels.
‘For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go.’ Ps. 91:11
Angels known as Seraphim are declared in Isaiah 6:2. These are consistent in
that Seraphim glorify God, hover over the throne of God & supervise the worship
in Heaven.
‘Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings
they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the
remaining two they flew.’ Isaiah 6:2
Angels known as Cherubim appear as divine guards in the scriptures as in the
case of the Garden of Eden. They also appear in conjunction with the presence
& departure of the glory of God.
‘He drove the man out, and at the east of the garden of Eden he stationed the
cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree
of life.’ Gen.3:24
Jesus Christ Himself was in the presence of angels at His birth, at the
forty-day fast, at His betrayal, at the Resurrection, His Ascension to heaven,
& His Second Coming. Satan Himself was an angel whom fell into pride.
Angels escort & attend to believers into God’s presence at death & also gather
His own to Christ at His marvellous return.
‘The poor man died, and angels took him to the place of honor next to Abraham.’
Luke 16:22
Immediately present in our midst, the work & ministry of angels: free-willed
spirit beings who live eternally - possessors of superhuman intelligence &
power functioning with infinite purposes - are our everyday, invisible hosts
- a constant & very present reality.
Michael Hunnam is Senior Vice President of ‘The Kids Bible Company LLC’ a media
company that is in production of the Book of Genesis by ‘The Animated Kid’s
Bible.’ To see trailers, find out more or purchase Episode 1 ‘Creation’ DVD
– go now to http://www.animatedkidsbible.com or http://www.thekidsbible.com
