Messengers

In 1 Kings chapter 19:7-8, we read, “Suddenly an angel touched (Elijah) and said to him, “Get up and eat.” (Elijah) looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again.”

An angel touched him…. Hmm… I don’t know what you think about when you think about angels. Sometimes we might think about renaissance paintings, little fat cherubs with wings. But the Hebrew word for angel is simply the word messenger. There is no description of this angel. In fact in the New Testament book of Hebrews, we are told, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers… (strangers!) for by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

In other words, these angels might not be what you expect.

I remember one time locking my keys in the car in a terrible part of town in downtown Kingston Jamaica. I had my surfboard on the roof and you know, I don’t exactly blend in with the locals! I was starting to get really anxious, and this guy came up out of nowhere and asked me if I needed help. He was actually into my car in about 5 seconds. He had the lock popped and handed me the keys that were sitting on the seat. Then he walked away.

I don’t know whether that was an angel, but I do believe that God often brings people into our lives just when we need them most. I know that many of you have had the experience of having someone come alongside you at a low point, and speak just the right words, or perhaps bring you a meal, or pay a bill, or offer to pray for you… Sometimes it’s in the little coincidences – or what seems like luck – meeting just the right person at just the right time, that feels like something or someone greater is behind it.

Today, let’s take this a step further. Today, I invite you to be open to God working through you. Maybe you could be a messenger, an angel to someone else in need.

Let us pray: We thank you for your grace, O God, and for your providence. We thank you for the people you have brought into our lives over the years who have impacted us in large and small ways. Keep us ever open to your Spirit’s leading. As we have been blessed, may we be a blessing. In Christs’ name. Amen.