"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." -- Colossians 3:12-17
I remember learning that the word we translate as "angel" in English, in the original Koine Greek (common Greek of Jesus' day) simply meant "messenger." Sure, that takes some of the supernatural spin off of "angel" talk...but don't worry. If you're really attached to that stuff, you can have it. The "messengers" that heralded Jesus' resurrection were invariably in Purex Ultra Whitening Bleach white clothing.
But I think what's important...and the thing that Warren is driving at, is that Jesus' messengers aren't generally supernatural. Rather, they are human; they are you and I.
Now perhaps you've figured it out already...this guys clothes don't sparkle. Someday they will...but not right now. But that doesn't let me off the hook. I'm a regular guy with a supernatural job, the one of being a herald for the God that raises the dead.
The work is daunting and it's big. That's why it's a really good thing that Jesus promises us that as we proclaim him to the world we will NEVER, EVER, EVER do it alone. His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the death/resurrection, will be with us as we proclaim Jesus with full surround sound/sight audio/visual: we are empowered to speak his truth in both word and actions.
In the meantime...it might be helpful to know that you have a little of the supernatural in you afterall. Lot's of Jesus, some Holy Spirit, and you've got the makings of an angel.
Yes. I'm talking about you!
Hope your weekend is full of life giving witnessing...and a legion of angels.
Pastor Nathan
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2 comments:
I know that we can find angels among us and that they look just like the rest of imperfect humanity. But I cling to my image of the angel who has earned wings through long suffering service. Wings won by witnessing the challenges humankind has in living outside of heaven's perfection. I have never tolerated the cute angel images found in gift shops--those with silly grins and lobotomized, simplistic expressions. Give me the classic medieval and Renaissance angels, in their ethereal feathery wings!
Anita
:-)
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