“to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.” Ephesians 3:10-12 (ASV)
When I read this scripture I had a hard time understanding what it was saying. I felt the key was the Manifold Wisdom, but the true key was the Principalities and Powers. How many times do we read through something and miss the true point? We pick up on the flash and leave the foundation. But God, in His infinite wisdom, can redirect and enlighten us to what He is truly saying. Please read the reference above again. Principalities and Powers in HEAVENLY PLACES.
Have you ever thought much about Angels? We are surrounded by angels constantly. Angels of light, guiding us toward our call, toward understanding, and away from danger. Angels of darkness, tempting us toward things we have a weakness for, leading us toward destruction. Angels, waiting for our prayers to direct them, to release them, to banish them. Ever present, ever ready.
I didn’t understand the full extent of their power until I grasped this scripture last night. The Principalities and the Powers in Heavenly Places (Angels of Light) are to be known through the Church (of Jesus Christ) the Manifold (many, multifaceted, multifarious) Wisdom OF GOD. They hold the unfathomable wisdom of God, given to them to help us walk our path every day. They were given the wisdom to help us to our Eternal Purpose (salvation unto eternal life) as was purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (given to us through His crucifixion at Calvary), in whom we have Boldness and Confidence through our Faith in Him.
Immediately I see the Heavenly Host of Angels surrounding the Virgin Mary, her husband Joseph, and the tiny baby in the manger, Jesus Christ our Lord. The Angels guided Mary and Joseph along their path to Bethlehem (Matt 2:13-15) and to the Inn that had no more rooms. They guided them to a humble, yet secure location to birth the fragile and innocent babe. The Angels called to the Shepherds to come and see, and called to the Wise Men months before the birth, and then guided them with a Star as they drew closer (Luke 2:8-20).
Jesus speaks of the Angels that surrounded Him and that could remove Him from the cross and bring destruction to those who chose to do Him harm (Matt 26:53). Angels that walked with Him every day from the moment He was placed in Mary’s womb (Luke 1:26-38). Angels that guarded and protected Him in the manger. Angels that taught Him and guided Him as He grew in wisdom and bantered with the Priests and Pharisees in the temple when He was just a child. Angels that ministered to Him after his 40 days in the wilderness while tempted by Satan (Matt 4:11). Angels that walked every step with Him in His earthly Ministry, in His beatings and torture. Angels that surrounded Him as he hung on the cross, waiting for any word from Him to change the circumstance. Angels that watched the tomb He was placed in and explained His absence after the stone had been rolled away (John 20:12).
I don’t worship Angels, no one should. I am thankful that Angels have been in my life helping me to find the way to Jesus, helping me learn the scriptures and to reflect the fruits of the Spirit. Angels still surround me and my daily life, but my teachings and guidance comes from the Holy Spirit. I wonder if they rejoiced when I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I expect they did. I expect that every time I have a spiritual breakthrough they rejoice again.
I thank God for giving us Angels to watch over and guide us as He draws us closer and closer to Him. I am thankful that we have the free will to choose which Angels we will follow, and that God gives us the strength to decide His path, even in times of great temptation. I am thankful that we grow in boldness and confidence in our faith each and every day, through our relationship with God.
Please God, never let me forget that every person I may meet could be an Angel (Heb 13:2), and that my words and actions toward them could be to honor or to dishonor You. I choose honor. I choose You.
** A Journey Through Ephesians: Chapter 3, Part 4
Written by Linda J. Humes
12-18-2015
Linda J. Humes 