Entertaining Angels

In high school, I had made a point to reach out to those who seemed to be the outcasts. I would share the Good News of what Christ had done for the world and for me. Most people appreciated the friendship, but stopped listening when I brought up the name of Jesus. Still, as this was my reputation, I wasn’t surprised when the librarian tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to talk with a new girl who seemed to be struggling to fit in.

I introduced myself, and she said her name was Kaylee. She was from a foster home, many actually. Immediately, I told Kaylee about my history and my relationship with God. She took encouragement from knowing she too could have a Heavenly Father. This new friend received the gospel and sought a relationship with God. Later, I noticed the way she wrote her name was very similar to an old friend I once had who’s name also began with a K. Other than that, she seemed like a normal high school girl. For about 3 weeks, our friendship blossomed. 

Then one day, she was simply gone. She never sent a text or called. She never reached out on social media to explain the cause of her disappearance. Nor could I find her. The strangest part was, when I asked teachers or fellow students about Kaylee, many of them had either completely forgotten or had only the faintest memory. It was then that Hebrews 13:2 came to mind, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Was Kaylee actually an angel in disguise? I won’t know until I meet the King face to face.  Hebrews 1:14 says that angels are ministering spirits. They are God’s servants whom he sends out to do His bidding. Kaylee ministered to me by accepting the Gospel. By doing so, she encouraged me in my efforts to reach the fellow students in my school. There are demons trying to thwart and discourage us, but God doesn’t leave us to fight them alone. Besides indwelling with us in the form of the Holy Spirit, He has an innumerable company of angels at His disposal fighting alongside us.

It can be hard to recognize the spiritual warfare waging around us. I believe that it’s even harder to notice the angels fighting by our side. But we can see the works of angels when we look for acts of God. In 2 Kings 6, the King of Syria is coming out against Israel. Elisha and his servant go out to meet the enemy army and his servant is afraid. Then in verse 16 and 17, Elisha says this, “ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” Elisha then prays and the angel army blinds the Syrian army until Elisha delivers them to the King of Israel as prisoners. When we find ourselves discouraged or afraid, we can take hope knowing that our God fights for us. 

Soon, we will see the prophecy from Mathew 25:31 fulfilled. “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.” We will be ushered to His side by those angels who help us. For now, we can practice singing with them, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8). And as we continue to strive forward in this life to see God glorified, we can have peace knowing that there are spirits fighting alongside us and who cheer for our victory.

**Names have been changed to protect identities.

“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”