p. 99 | Angels in the Way

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 15, 1874

Angels in the Way.

“And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.” Gen. 32:1. He went—walked—on his way—not his own way, only in that it was God’s way for him, and while obeying the command of God, or the leadings of the Spirit, such a wonderful blessing was vouchsafed to him as meeting the angels of God. They might have come to him, it is true, had he remained in his place; but he saw them sooner for going “on his way,” not one, but many; and he knew them, for he said, “This is God’s host.” We all know that beautiful history—his fear of Esau—his anxiety to find favor with him—his tenderness in providing for the safety of his family. Who can read unmoved that remarkable prayer, verses 9–12, where he takes God’s own words and promises, and lays them before him as though he could not be detained: “The Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee,” and, “Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.”

To every Christian, if they will but go on their way—go forward in the path of duty whatever it may involve: a sacrifice of our own ease and pleasure for the good of another—a call—a word of exhortation or prayer—an appeal to some impenitent when we know not how it will be received; to stand by the couch of suffering which we are powerless to relieve; to see another struggling under a burden we cannot lighten; in any and all the daily duties and hourly experiences of the Christian’s life, if we will but go on in God’s strength, we shall surely meet the angels.

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”—Sel.