As I mentioned at the beginning of this series, I am not going to touch on all 283 times the word "angel" is mentioned in the Bible (KJV), which means from Elijah's story in part 5, I will jump ahead to the Psalms.
Psalm 8 informs us that humans and angels are not the same creation. In spite of what Hollywood may tell you, angels have never been human, nor will they ever become human, nor will humans ever become angels. God created angels many years before humans, and they were never meant to be the same creatures.
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Psalm 8:4-5
If we are "lower than the angels" we are clearly separate creations just as different as dogs and cats (not to be disrespectful, but a good analogy).
The book of Psalms is also a wonderful reminder of God allowing His angels to protect us.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 35:6-8
Notice the phrase in verse 7 "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him." Protection is for those who follow His ways and serve Him. Yes, God is very gracious to help all people who ask, but if you are refusing to do what the Bible says is right, do not be angry with God when you are lacking protection. I am not saying God will always refuse help those choosing to live in rebellion but living right for Him is always the best choice.
Pslam 91:11 is also another wonderful reminder that God allows His angels to look out for us. I must begin with verse 1 in that chapter as it is another verse that shows us God is more likely to keep is safe when we walk with Him, or actively choose to "dwell" in His presence.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Pslam 91:1
The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is a very beautiful Psalm as it is a comforting story of God's love and protection for His children. When you read the entire chapter, you will see how very relevant it is to us today.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Pslam 91:2-6
Notice in verse 9, the first 16 words, especially the word "because."
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Psalm 91:9-12
Now in verses 14-16 the perspective of the poem changes from the voice of David to the voice 0f God speaking to us. Again, see the word "because," which means "on account of the fact that."
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Pslam 91:14-16
Yes, again, we see God is more likely to help those that "set" their "love upon" Him, not just those that call upon Him when it is convenient. We are not to choose to serve God just for angelic protection but because He is kind, loving, and very gracious to forgive us when we repent of our sins and make Him Lord of our lives. God is worthy if of all our love and praise, all of the time. Even when you feel as if God has not protected you, and life is depressing and scary, try to remember we live in a fallen world and other people's sins can block you from God's help. Also, all things happen for a reason to those wh0 serve God (see Romans 8:28, and when life is difficult, try to remember it will all make sense when we see Jesus face to face (see 1 Corinthians 13:12).
I will end with Psalm 103 & 148 where it is reiterated that we are not to worship angels, but God, just as the angels themselves do. Give glory and honor and blessing only to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as they are the only ones who deserve such an honor.
Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. Pslam 103:20-22
Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created... Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Pslam 148:1-13
