Angel Encounters

What do most people think of when they imagine angels? Probably celestial beings in white robes with halos and feathery wings. The angels of our imaginations may be standing on clouds, play harps and have shining faces and blonde curls.

For most Bible-believing Christians there is no doubt that such celestial creatures do exist. But a deeper understanding of the word angel is gained when one looks at the original languages.

Messengers

According to Strong's Concordance, the word angel in both the original Hebrew and Greek could easily be translated as messenger.

This definition opens up the possibility that, in addition to actual heavenly beings, angels could be anyone who delivers a message from God.

When we consider Hebrews 13:2, where we read: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares, the idea of human beings temporarily taking on the job of angel or messenger doesn't seem so far fetched.

Does this mean I think that there are people who are cherubic beings with special powers? No. The Bible makes it clear that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But God is God, and I believe He can (as He has in the past) use imperfect men to accomplish His perfect will.

Angels Without Wings

I believe I have encountered angels. At the time of these encounters, I sensed I was getting a message from God but didn't stop to think of the role of the person through whom God sent the message. Now that I know that angel can mean messenger, I realize that these may have been angel visitations.

My angels didn't have wings or halos. In fact, at least one of them was what some might call defective...certainly not beautiful to look upon as we imagine angels to be.

Some people, unnerved by her less than perfect appearance, may question why her parents had even allowed her to be born.

Unlikely Angel