Preaching on The Angel of the Lord
Introduction:
The "Angel of the Lord" (Hebrew: mal'akh Yahweh) is a fascinating and often debated figure in Scripture. This study will explore the appearances of this Angel, examining the context and implications of each encounter, and considering the theological significance of this divine messenger.
I. Key Passages and Observations:
• Genesis 16:7 (Hagar):
◦ The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar in her distress.
◦ He speaks with divine authority, giving her instructions and prophetic promises.
◦ Hagar recognizes that she has seen God and calls him “the God who sees me.”
• Genesis 22:15 (Abraham):
◦ The Angel of the Lord calls to Abraham from heaven.
◦ He reaffirms God's covenant and blessings because of Abraham's obedience.
◦ The Angel speaks with divine authority, using phrases like “declares the Lord.”
• Exodus 14:19 (Israel's Exodus):
◦ The Angel of God moves before Israel, then behind them, to protect them from the Egyptians.
◦ This angel is associated with the pillar of cloud and fire, signifying divine guidance and protection.
• Numbers 22:23 (Balaam):
◦ The Angel of the Lord stands in Balaam's way, opposing his disobedient journey.
◦ The Angel is revealed as an adversary, demonstrating divine intervention and authority.
• Judges 2:1 (Israel's Rebuke):
◦ The Angel of the Lord goes up from Gilgal to Bochim and delivers a message of rebuke.
◦ This angel speaks with God's authority, reminding Israel of their covenant and their failure.
• Judges 13:3 (Samson's Birth):
◦ The Angel of the Lord appears to Manoah's wife, announcing Samson's birth.
◦ The Angel's appearance brings awe and fear, indicating a divine encounter.
◦ Manoah and his wife recognize that they have seen God.
• Isaiah 63:9 (Israel's Redemption):
◦ "In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them."
◦ This verse shows the angel of his presence as a savior, and also shows God's empathy for his people.
• Matthew 28:2 (Resurrection):
◦ An angel of the Lord descends from heaven, rolls back the stone, and sits on it.
◦ This angel brings awe-inspiring power and announces Jesus' resurrection.
• Acts 8:26 (Philip and the Ethiopian):
◦ An angel of the Lord directs Philip to the desert road.
◦ This angel acts as a divine messenger, guiding Philip's ministry.
• Acts 27:23 (Paul's Shipwreck):
◦ An angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood before me this very night.
◦ This angel brings a message of comfort and assurance during a perilous situation.
II. Theological Significance:
• Divine Messenger: The Angel of the Lord consistently acts as a messenger of God, delivering important messages and instructions.
• Divine Authority: The Angel speaks with God's authority, often using phrases like "declares the Lord." This suggests a close identification with God.
• Divine Presence: In some instances, those who encounter the Angel of the Lord recognize that they have seen God. This raises the question of whether the Angel is a manifestation of God himself.
• Pre-incarnate Christ? Some theologians believe that the Angel of the Lord is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This view is supported by the Angel's divine authority and close identification with God.
• Distinct from Created Angels: The Angel of the Lord seems to be distinct from other created angels, possessing a unique role and authority.
III. Discussion Points:
• What are the common characteristics of the Angel of the Lord in these passages?
• How does the Angel of the Lord demonstrate divine authority?
• What is the significance of the phrase "the Angel of the Lord"?
• How does the Angel of the Lord interact with humans in these encounters?
• What implications does the Angel of the Lord have for our understanding of God?
• How does the Angel of the Lord interact with the plans of God?
• What is the difference between "the Angel of the Lord" and "an angel of the Lord"?
IV. Application:
• Reflect on the ways God communicates with us today.
• Consider how God's presence and intervention are evident in your life.
• Cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and authority.
• Seek to be obedient to God's instructions, even when they are challenging.
• Remember that God is present and active in our lives, even in difficult circumstances.
- Preaching on Andrew, the Apostle: The Quiet Influence
- Preaching on Loving Christ - A Deep Dive
- Preaching on Isolation and Abandonment
Conclusion:
The Angel of the Lord is a powerful and mysterious figure in Scripture, demonstrating God's presence, authority, and intervention in human affairs. Studying these encounters can deepen our understanding of God's character and our relationship with Him.
