What if I told you that some of your favorite biblical principles and prophetic promises were spoken by angels? That is, when you quote that familiar passage of Scripture, you are actually quoting an angel?
In some ways, angels are a lot like dreams in that they are a valid communicative medium between heaven and earth, which God has designed for our benefit. And, much like dreams, angelic ministry has also been largely overlooked or ignored. Yet we have been amazed to discover that so many of our biblical heroes had life-altering events occur while they slept.
We have discussed how Solomon’s wisdom and Abraham’s covenant were received in their dreams. We also looked at Jacob’s lucrative business strategy and the crucial instructions that saved Jesus’ life that were downloaded through the medium of dreams and the ministry of angels.
We are familiar with these passages of Scripture but had not always recognized these significant encounters took place in dreams. And so it is with angels. There are many familiar passages to us, awesome verses we love to pray into and speak over ourselves, but what we haven’t usually considered is who actually said them first.
We never worship angels; however, we do listen to them. In fact, the clearest teaching we have anywhere in Scripture on not worshipping angels was delivered by an angel himself (Rev. 22:8-9). That is incredibly significant in and of itself, but what are some other oft-quoted scriptures and promises that were also spoken through angels?
The Power of Testimony
Pastor Bill Johnson has given us all exciting insight into Revelation 19:10. He explains that because “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” that means when we share our testimonies, there is a prophetic nature in them which declares God’s intent and heart to all who will hear.
Understanding this, we often encourage one another to share supernatural stories to build faith and confess similar victory, reminding them that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. That is a powerful principle! But what we may have overlooked is who we learned this incredible principle from. Who told John that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy?
An angel.
It was the angel speaking with John who revealed this profound truth about our testimony (Rev. 19:9-10). It was the angel who explained the principle of its power and prophetic nature. And we see now that it is an angel who we are quoting every time we declare this extraordinary verse of Scripture.
Angels Quote God
This is what makes angels so quotable; they are speaking God’s messages. The literal meaning of the word “angel” in both Hebrew and Greek is “messenger.” We know throughout Scripture angels delivered God’s words, that is, they quoted God. Perhaps nowhere is this more clearly seen than in Zechariah 4:6:
“And he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.'”
This is right in the middle of a six-chapter long, back and forth conversation Zechariah had with “the angel who was speaking to him.” Indeed, we only need to go back one verse to confirm that the “he” was an angel who was reminding Zechariah of what the Lord of Hosts had said (Zech. 4:5).
We can trust our guardian angels to always point us to Jesus and remind us of His Word. This is what the angel did for Zechariah, so we understand it is an example of what we too can expect from angelic ministry. Whatever God did through angels in Scripture, He wants to do in our lives as well.
Nothing Is Impossible
Long before Adidas had their slogan, the Bible declared “Nothing will be impossible with God.” What an encouraging promise! We put our faith in this statement and take it as absolute truth. Nothing is impossible with God—that is a fact.
How do we know? Why can we be so sure? Luke 1:37 records these words. It’s Scripture!
Who received the message that nothing is impossible with God? Mary.
And who delivered that powerful message to her? The angel Gabriel.
In fact, this brilliant truth is shared with Mary right in the middle of her illuminating back and forth conversation with Gabriel regarding God’s entry into humanity. Luke 1:26-38 is the clearest exposition anywhere in Scripture on just how exactly the Son of God becomes the Son of Man. “The angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God'” (Luke 1:35).
Where do we get our understanding of the incarnation? An angel told us.
Still Speaking
In conclusion, we understand that honoring angelic messages is not so far removed from us. We see that we have been quoting what God said through angels in Scripture. So what about now? Did the Lord stop speaking after the Bible was written? Did God stop sending angels to deliver His messages once Revelation ended?
God communicated via angels throughout Scripture, and we know He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). Therefore, we can be comfortable and confident that God is still speaking to us through His ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14). God is still downloading revelation and instruction and wisdom and encouragement to us through His heavenly messengers. God is still giving supernatural messages to us through His servants, the angels.
The only question is: Are we listening?
Charity Virkler Kayembe has a doctorate in biblical studies, is passionate about the sacred supernatural and writes about the unfolding adventure that is walking by the Spirit on her blog at GloryWaves.org. She has been featured on Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural!,Cornerstone TV, Charisma magazine and The Elijah List. Charity is the co-author of four books, including Hearing God Through Your Dreams, Unleashing Healing Power Through Spirit-Born Emotions and Everyday Angels.
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