Psalms 34: 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him.
This past week, Nasa sent the Nancy Grace Roman rocket into space, with a powerful telescope, with one of its missions being to pave the way for finding extra terrestrial life. It’s funny, how man is going to such lengths and expense to find out whether or not other life forms exist, and right down here on earth, living among us are billions of intelligent beings who are not humans.
This is one of the unfortunate consequences which occurs when persons adopt the theory of evolution, for even though evolution’s purpose is to eliminate God from the human equation, it has inadvertently eliminated the possibility of other life forms on our planet, for the theory makes no allowance for either a God, a devil, or angels.
Thus, as far as the strictly scientific and evolutionary mind goes, other intelligent life is to be found out in deep space, but not on our planet. And because of this, evolution offers no hope beyond the grave, and it does not offer any security, other than survival of the fittest, but other than that, you’re on your own.
Oh, what grief we often suffer, when we refuse God and His word to have the preeminence in our hearts because we drift about searching for things that are right in our own backyard. The first passage tells us that the angel of The Lord “Encamps” around them that fear Him, which means that they are basically spending very much of their time on our planet.
This is very heartening to know, and it is a piece of important information that is relevant and needed for such a time as this. Because of the multiplication of disasters, calamities and catastrophic events that are scheduled for the last days, we’re encouraged to investigate those provisions God has put in place, to protect persons who believe and obey Him.
Jesus has promised to be with us all the way, and we will need Him more than ever to deal with emerging challenges, and threats that will be coming in from all directions. Thus, the study of other intelligent life on earth, will go a long way in addressing concerns that the Christian may have.
For starters, angels have always taken an active part in the affairs of men, and as prime-time approaches, their activities would be significantly ramped up, so that those who believe in God will have assurance and the confidence that God is with us.
From the garden of Eden down to the present day, the angels of God have interacted with persons on a regular basis. Although angels are mercifully hidden from view, yet their activities in behalf of humanity is evident by the restraint God places on those other intelligent invisible beings who live on our planet.
Thus, to have confidence and assurance at this time will require a better understanding of the work they do, and how we can cooperate with them as they try to shield us from invisible foes. God sheds great light on this subject so that His people could be well informed.
When in our first passage we read “The angel of The Lord encamps round about them that fear Him” we should not take that to mean that there is only one angel at work per person. It is true that God’s saints are each given a guardian angel, but because angels do not possess omnipresence, there are times when more than one will be needed.
For instance, back in the days of yore, we read that God placed a hedge around Job, and all that he had. That meant that there was more than one angel at work, and for good reason, for if Job had to go on a vacation for any reason, his guardian angel wouldn’t be on vacation with him, and at the same time be at his home, watching over his possessions.
Other angels would have had to take up the slack so that protection would be given at both venues. It is the same when we go on vacation, for if a saint is on a cruise somewhere in the Caribbean, their houses and possessions they left behind will be vulnerable, if there aren’t other angels to pick up the slack.
Therefore, your primary guardian angel is the sort of supervisor of your everyday operations, and when it comes time for additional forces, he calls on other angels for reinforcement.
Thus, the angel of The Lord which encamps round about them that fear Him, would at times include other angels as needed, because of the issue of not possessing omnipresence. This is the reason why in the following passages you will read of protecting angels in the plural, not only in the singular. Let’s read:
Genesis 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, this is God's host and he called the place Mahanaim.
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Then, on the issue of not possessing omnipresence we read where two important matters, in different venues had to be addressed at different times since in this instance, only one angel was sent to do some specific work for God. Let’s read:
Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
The servant of The Lord also gives us an in-depth look into what God’s angels do, not only in behalf of His people, but for persons who have not yet known God. Were it not for the ministry of angels there are many folks who would never have had opportunity to be saved.
Thus, the angels of God are also commissioned to act preemptively, by protecting those who currently do not know or serve God. Indeed, that is the only reason why we’re here today looking nice and cute. It’s because of other intelligent beings on earth who are sent by God to be with us night and day, 24/7. Let’s read:
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
The following statements coming from God to us is to be a stabilizer in an increasingly troubled world. In fact, one of the reasons why the Christian should be calm and resilient in the midst of troublous times and uncertainty, is because we know from the Bible that there are other intelligent beings on earth.
Thus, the Christian’s perspective on current events, with all of the potential upheavals in nature, and in the political realm, is that God is still in control and whatsoever the outcome may be in November, His good and perfect will is being accomplished, even if at times it may not seem so.
Before we consider some of the excerpts pertaining to the interposition of angels, there’s one statement we should keep in the forefront of our minds. God’s plans know no haste or delay, He is not fazed by any fools on earth and the other intelligent life forms He has, operating on earth, always accomplish His will. Let’s read:
[Prophets and Kings pp 499] In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice.
But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.
Therefore, just before you lose it and start panicking about the turning of current events, God is saying to us that He has our backs, and His restraining power is upon the forces of darkness, so that only His will is going to get done.
This fact is reason for great rejoicing and assurance in the hearts of those who understand that there are other intelligent beings on earth. Consider very carefully, their interaction with the human family on a daily basis, and science knows it not. Let’s read:
[Education pp 304>305] Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers.
They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes; they have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have thwarted the spoiler’s purpose and turned aside the stroke of the destroyer.
Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils, angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them. Human ears have listened to their appeals.
In the council hall, the court of justice, heavenly messengers have pleaded the cause of the persecuted and oppressed. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have brought wrong and suffering to God’s children.
Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril.
The angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection morning—what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life, of heavenly co-operation in every work for humanity!
All the perplexities of life’s experience will then be made plain. Where to us have appeared only confusion and disappointment, broken purposes and thwarted plans, will be seen a grand, overruling, victorious purpose, a divine harmony.
And this is not the extent of their work because they often visit congress, they visit churches and they are known to go to places that you would have difficulty believing that they go. They’re not restricted by any walls, they cannot be stopped by ICE, and the most secure places on earth are fair game to those other intelligent life forms on earth.
This understanding is of critical importance to those who might be panicked or gravely concerned by the current events. Those angels who are among us are not limited by time, space, or speed, as we are, and every plan that man now makes, or will make in the future, will be have to be subject to God’s approval, or permission.
Furthermore, The Lord would have us to understand that angels are not inhibited by solid matter such as windows and doors as we are, there is no barrier on our planet, no locks that you can purchase at Home Depot, and there is no camera or security apparatus that can stop them in their tracks.
In addition to this, you cannot shoot them, because bullets are powerless to stop them. They often walk among on a daily basis, carrying out God’s missions of mercy, and protecting those who place their trust in Jesus. Let’s read:
[The Great Controversy pp 631>632] In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous, and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds to determine whether they’ve passed the boundary of God’s forbearance.
Consider carefully how they make their intrusion, in Lot’s day, unannounced, unobserved, and dressed in common clothes that are worn by everyday people, such as your Nikes and Jeans, and possibly with sun shade glasses, and cell phones.
Genesis 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground.
Here they are, intelligent life forms walking among the inhabitants of Sodom, the people are seeing them, they are rubbing shoulders with the everyday people, and the inhabitants have not a clue.
The question for us in our day is: Can it be possible, as we walk the busy streets of our cities, and towns, going to various restaurants and markets, and going on cruises, could the same thing be taking place and we have not a clue? Let’s read:
Genesis 19:2 And he said, behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, no; we will abide in the street all night.
3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 158>159] He pressed his invitation until they yielded, and accompanied him to his house. He had hoped to conceal his intention from the idlers at the gate by bringing the strangers to his home by a circuitous route. But, their hesitation and delay, and his persistent urging, caused them to be observed.
Now, why would they want to be observed? Why not come in quietly, and reply to Lot in whispers, as they head to his home by another route, using the backroads of Sodom to get there? They want to be observed because they are intelligent and they are sure the people would follow them, because that is what the men of Sodom habitually do.
By following them to Lot’s house, the inhabitants of Sodom would give direct evidence of their character and purpose and their intentions would be captured on live footage, for the record books in heaven. It is all meticulously planned out and executed flawlessly without a hitch.
It would’ve been nice to finish the Bible study right here, and go home rejoicing on our merry way, but the Bible also confirms to us that there are other intelligent life forms living on our planet, who are bent on doing evil, and their activities are currently ramped up significantly, even though science does not know. Let’s read:
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Now brethren, this fact is something we all have to reconcile in our minds, because, if there are angels, both good and bad, interacting on a daily basis with the populations of earth, it begs the question: Are we safe? The answer to this question is what forms the basis of the Christian’s assurance as we go to and fro from day to day.
Several passages in the Bible confirm to us that it is because God is in control of the other intelligent life forms on earth, why we are not consumed. Indeed, it is solely because of His mercy, why the inhabitants are preserved even though the great and important changes predicted in the Bible, are heading our way.
Let’s take a look at some of these passages and then we will seek to understand how they impact us, and how we can, and should cooperate with God, in the preservation of mind, and body.
Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he gives his beloved sleep.
Psalms 33:16 There’s no king saved by the multitude of a host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in His mercy.
Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
[Heaven Forever pp 316] A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. God’s people, exposed to the unsleeping malice of the prince of darkness, are assured of the unceasing guardianship of angels. Such assurance is given because there are mighty agencies of evil to be met—agencies, numerous, determined, and untiring.
[The Great Controversy pp 517] The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us, were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer.
We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our own strength, no method of defense.
If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder, torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under his watch care. Angels that excel in strength are sent from Heaven to protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about his people.
Question: Why is it important for us to understand these things? And what direct bearing will it have on how the Christian approaches crunch time?
It is critically important for us to understand that all the other intelligent life forms on earth are under the direct supervision of God. This understanding causes us not to trust in man made ways and means of protecting ourselves, but in the power of God alone.
Even though we could do what we can in our sphere to cooperate with the heavenly agencies, that’s not where our confidence should lie. Beyond all that we may do, we are to keep our focus on God alone, for without His protection, safety is a nothingburger.
In addition to this, the Scriptures warn us that the diabolical activities of evil angels will be ramped up significantly, as the day for Christ’s 2nd coming draws near. And God will rise to the emergency by sending additional reinforcements of holy angels to fend off the increasing threats to His people.
This understanding, coupled together with God’s promises are what will stabilize the Christian in the increasingly volatile and violent environment we are living in. We are not to place our confidence in any man, because the arm of flesh will fail you.
Our confidence and our hope are to be placed in the Lord alone, for He not only directs what takes place, and what is permitted to take place on earth, but He goes a step further, in shielding the Christian from a number of dangers we do not see.
Thus, His watch care over His people will rise with the emergency, so that even though turmoil, and destruction may be all around, we should not fear. Let’s read:
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Especially will this be the case for the remnant who would be chosen by God to carry His last message of mercy to a dying world. Persons are to cultivate the faith of Jesus, by trusting implicitly in God alone.
This level of trust does not come suddenly but must become a part of our everyday experiences, where we keep our eyes on Jesus no matter what man may or may not do. The habit of focusing on man will get many people into trouble.
When Daniel predicts that Michael will stand up, we should understand that statement in the context of some grave emergency, that will call for additional reinforcements and the direct interventions coming from the God of heaven. Let’s read:
[Early Writings pp 270] The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers.
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it.
They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”
To this time we are now hastening, and the Christian in our day should not be distracted by what is taking place at home and abroad. There are persons who are greatly concerned about the midterms and the outcome thereof. Let not the things of this world distract us from our mission, because God is still in control of the affairs of men.
We therefore end with a passage of Scripture which would reinforce the truth that God is still in control, and He still rules and overrules in the affairs of men. Let’s read:
Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most-High, and I praised and honored him that lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
God Bless!