For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11).
Some say that those missiles sent in the night to attack installations where American troops were dwelling show the improved precision of Iranian technology. Some say that the Iranians—and thus the Americans—were just lucky.
Another possibility should not be overlooked: Angels abiding.
On a famous night years ago, some shepherds were abiding in fields in the Middle East keeping watch over their flocks. When the sky lighted up, they became afraid. Sore afraid.
But it wasn’t an attack. It was a squad of angels. They, too, were keeping watch. They also were abiding over those fields.
Never doubt that angels were abiding over the fields of Iraq when missiles recently lit up that sky. Angels are also able to guide missiles.
We normally react to what we see, feel, or hear. That works well for many phases of our life. But there is another plane of existence that is not detected by our senses. Most often, we call it spiritual.
A part of us is aware that there is something more than what we see or hear. Sometimes it is described as a feeling that something is out there. That something is often feared. Religion is based upon a belief that something humans cannot see is able to affect lives. This implies power beyond human ability. It grows from the natural knowledge of God. Power, wisdom, and wonder are reflected in what God created. Guilt comes from a conscience that calls out warnings that the unseen Power is not pleased. Thus, the instinctive reaction to the spiritual world is one of fear. This is followed by a desire to get that unseen power to be on our side.
Idolatry grows from fear of the unknown. It is shaped by human minds to reflect what humans imagine that power to be like: what it demands and what help it can offer. Idolatry, in every form, is manufactured by mankind. But each form follows a pattern drawn up in the spirit world by powers of darkness. It is a demonic pattern. It is built upon lies.
But Truth also comes from the spiritual world. The source is the Holy One who does not lie.
Perfect wisdom, absolute power, and judgment are part of his being. He is to be feared. But he also is to be trusted—and loved.
At times, he has given miraculous signs of his presence. Yet, the greatest evidence came when he took on human flesh and lived among us. We know him as Jesus of Nazareth. He came as the fulfillment of the promise of rescue from powers of darkness. His arrival was announced by spirits under his command. Those spirits are called angels. Humans have seldom caught a glimpse of these heavenly beings, though they constantly watch over those who put their trust in the Holy One. Most times, we only have the Lord’s word that those angels guard and keep us. Sometimes we question that because things do not work out the way we wish. Sometimes his people are hurt. Sometimes they are killed. This is not a failure. This is according to plan—God’s plan—a perfect plan, always for our good. One day we will understand why spirit-warriors were sometimes used in ways we would not choose. Until then, we thank our God for his shield of protection.
May there always be with us, angels abiding!
We can close our days with the old Evening Prayer: “I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have graciously kept me this day; and I pray you to forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me.” Amen.
Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer
WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military
Provided by WELS Ministry to the Military
