Do Angels Have Super Powers? Debunking the Myths about Angels, Part IV

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s . . . an angel? 

When I was a kid, I assumed most angels looked like the ethereal, art museum depictions I’d seen on Christmas cards. Their faces were serene and fair-skinned, always feminine, and usually accompanied by long, flowing hair. They moved silently with nary a swish of their feathered wings, and everything they did was gentle and peaceful. 

Then I read the Bible. 

And found out what angels are really like. 

Myth: Angels are peaceful, serene beings that float around on clouds and strum harps all day.

Truth: Angels are armed to the teeth and aching for a fight.

And yes, they are strong. Very strong. Second Peter 2:11 describes them as “stronger and more powerful” than men. 

Credit

They are smarter than men, too, and this is especially important to remember when we engage in spiritual warfare. Satan’s angels can outwit us if we don’t avail ourselves of God’s wisdom. Thankfully, when we do, God sends help. When Daniel prayed, God sent Gabriel, who said, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding” (Dan. 9:22). 


Angels are also faster than men, in large part because they can fly. Daniel’s heavenly messenger flew, and we often see angels fly in John’s descriptions of apocalyptic events ((Rev. 14:6). Flying’s not the only way angels get around, however. 

Because they are spirit beings, they usually move from place to place invisibly. When they do manifest themselves on earth, like George Bailey’s angel, Clarence, they walk. Abraham’s angelic visitors sauntered up to his tent one day and then trotted on over to drop in on his nephew Lot and pronounce judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18, 19). 

Because angels are created beings, they are inferior in all ways to God. They can only be in one place at one time (Dan. 10:12), are not all-powerful (Daniel’s angel experienced satanic pressure which hindered him for three weeks), nor are they all-knowing (Mat. 24:36). 

Finally, angels are asexual and incapable of reproducing (Mat. 22:30). They are spirit beings, remember? When they appear in human form, however, they always appear masculine. Sorry Della Reese, but there’s no biblical basis for a female angel boss. 

I’ve used this picture in this series before, but I chose to post it here again, because I think it’s an accurate representation of what an angel might look like in full battle regalia. I don’t know about you, but knowing there are “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Rev. 5:11) on my side and at the Father’s disposal makes me feel very safe. Psalm Ps 34:7 makes me brave when I’m tempted to fear: 

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” 

Next time we'll conclude our study of angels by answer the question, Do people become angels when they die?

If you haven't yet subscribed to Hungry for God, now is a great time to do it. You don't want to miss the final post in this series.



If you enjoyed this devotion, may I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

 

If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner

Hungry for God is on Facebook! Will you take a moment and LIKE my page? CLICK HERE to help HFG share 5-minute devotions.