Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I've always been fascinated by angels.  One day they will come and gather us up.  What a wonderful day that will be for those of us who believe in Jesus. 

In the Psalms angels are described as doing God's bidding, obeying God's Word, servants who do His will.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Psalms 103:20-22 NIV

Actually Hebrews says angels visit us now on earth.  Only they come in the form of humans. 
2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2 NIV

Humans were created a little lower than the angels.
Psalms 8:3-5
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
NIV

And then there's one of my favorite stories about when some men were discussing what happened to this Jesus fellow who was crucified.  Without realizing it, Jesus had joined them before His ascension to Heaven.  I have to chuckle because, He didn't tell them who He was.  He asked them questions. 
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
Luke 24:13-17 NIV

Jesus went to their house and had bread with them.  Then their eyes were opened and they knew it was Him.  (Luke 24:30-31) I wonder how it will feel when we see Jesus for the first time.

Angels are among us and Jesus dwells in our hearts.  But we don't know when we are seeing angels.  They must be humble to help us out, full of love and mercy from God's throne.  I have read descriptions in the Bible of what they look like in Heaven- but it's hard to imagine.  I like that, it will be a wonderful surprise.  I've met a few people and wondered...

Here's how Jesus said it to Thomas:
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 NIV

I took this photo in Central Park in New York City.  When we first went into the gate, I saw homeless people.  Everywhere I turned, there would be another one.  My heart broke.  I felt so helpless, I didn't have enough money to go around.  At that moment I wanted to be in a ministry team bringing food, clean underwear, and the good news.  I was grateful they had a sanctuary from the noise and dangers of the streets.  I prayed that God would send angels to minister to them.  We walked on among the trees, and beauty, and saw this statue.  A wonderful symbol of God's presence on earth.  I felt such joy.  For my photographer friends, I purposely made this photo a little foggy- I wanted it to appear like a thought more than a statue.

Had to do some edits on this one, sorry! 10-19-11 9:07pm EST





Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

7 comments:

  1. Great photo and such a wonderful verse to go with it!

    Blessings~
    Laura

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  2. How cool is it that we will judge angels!

    "Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!" 1Cor 6:3 NIV

    I am such a softy though and very quick to forgive people who hurt me in some way..I don't know if I want to judge an angel..unless it's to ask God to give them a reward or something :)
    ~I love the photo~ It is so sad to see people who are suffering..I live in the sticks, so we don't see too many homeless here, but I have seen people with signs on street corners especially in the cities, people say you get used to them after a while..I can't imagine that!

    Good post,
    ~God Bless~

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  3. Wow! I had forgotten the part about judging angels. It sounds like there will be a time when we see the whole picture of angels and demons- good vs. evil. I keep thinking of this verse too-

    Ephesians 6:12
    For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. NIV

    Thanks for your thought provoking comment Lisa! I'd rather not judge anyone... that doesn't sound fun. I want to hear the angel choir. But if it's the Lord's will, I will obey. I wonder if we'll be judging the fallen angels. Satan is a fallen angel.

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  4. Actually, I'd like to sing with the angel choir praising God. That will be awesome!

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  5. I once picked up a man who was in a rainstorm without a coat and he was just getting pummeled.

    To this day, I swear he was an angel. And I was unaware.

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  6. You never know David. I think I've met a few. I had to go outside and walk around a pond in one of my jobs to burn off steam. There was a strange man walking that made me nervous so I prayed. And then I saw another man walking who was very tall, wore black and seemed very safe. So I walked- maybe following an angel. Thanks for your comment.

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