Seattle, September 29, 2005. (94)
A VERY UNIQUE ANGEL. He is called “The Angel of the Lord.” and was to lead and guide Israel into the promised land. He was a no nonsense Angel. His responsibility was to care for them and see to it that they made their trip safely unto the place which the Lord had prepared for them. They received a special warning concerning Him. They were to walk circumspectly before Him and honor His commands. They were to be obedient to His voice, and faithfully His instructions. Such practical deeds are as important today as they were in their day. Care was to be taken so as not to grieve Him for forgiveness was not to be found in His dealings with them. Serious words. His authority and power was in the fact that the LORD had placed His name in Him. Bearing, that name elevates one to a position of great power. Ex. 23:21 That was to mean, that all that the LORD is, would be evidenced in this mighty being. The LORD gave His name to the Lord Jesus and has exalted Him above all others. The sum total of humanity will one day acknowledge that God has made Jesus Christ to be Lord. Phil. 2:9-11 We find here the Father giving His name and the Son, not only bearing that name but exercising all the powers of that blessed name. The Name of our God is inseparable from His being and character.
DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE WORD, ANGEL. First, Strongs Dictionary on this which is termed Angel. Heb. Malak, angel (created), or a prophet, priest or teacher. Ambassador, king or messenger. This makes us to be aware of the fact that in scripture not all who are referred to as angels are recruited from the created host of heavenly beings. It is not unusual for the Lord Himself to have appeared in a form that is stated to be an Angel, or Spirit in the form of a man. The LORD went before the people in the shape of a pillar of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Ex. 13:21 The Angel of God was in that ever present pillar. He moved from a position of leadership to one of protection when they camped by night. Ex. 14:19 He would also become a delivered and a conqueror when it came time to enter the promised land and He would drive out the enemy from before them. Ex. 33:2 He would become an enemy to those who would be an enemy of His people. Ex. 23:22 If the Lord be for us who can be against us. With Christ on our side, victory is assured. Moses, came to a place where he insisted that the presence of the Lord go with them, or he would go no further. The Lord assured him of His presence. Ex. 33:14