MINISTERING SPIRITS by Augusta W. Heald

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 13.

MINISTERING SPIRITS.

By Augusta W. Heald

Angelic beings are not permitted to lead a life of ease. All heaven is engaged in the service of God. They "that excel in strength" hearken unto the "voice of God" and do His commandments. They are God's ministers that do His pleasure. "But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. 1:13, 14.

Who They Are.

1. Angels are not the spirits of our departed friends, for they, in their dreamless repose, have no knowledge of earthly events. "The dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun." Eccl. 9:5, 6.

2. They are celestial beings of a higher order than man, and existed before man was created. "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels." Heb. 2:7.

Their Work.

1. Angels on Judea's plains announced the Saviour's birth: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13, 14.

2. Angels ministered unto our Saviour, when fainting after His conflict with Satan. See Matt. 4:11. An angel appeared in the Garden of Gethsemane and strengthened our Lord for His last dread conflict with the powers of darkness. See Luke 22:43.

3. Angels announced to the disciples the risen Lord: "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." Luke 24:5, 6.

4. As they ministered to Christ, so do they minister to every child of God. See Heb. 1:14.

5. They are commissioned to preserve our lives: "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." Ps. 91:11, 12.

6. They accompany our Lord when He comes as judge of all the earth: "When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him." Matt. 25:31. In that glad resurrection morning the saints are carried by angels "to meet the Lord in the air."

AUGUSTA W. HEALD.