The Angel Of The Lord

The Angel Of The Lord

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. –Isaiah 63:9 (NIV)

God created all the angels, including Satan and his demons, except for one. The “angel of the Lord” is clearly distinguished from all the angelic beings in a number of ways, and yet he is called an angel. Hagar met this angel in the desert, and he comforted her with predictions concerning the future. Abraham heard the angel of the Lord’s voice on Mount Moriah telling him not to kill his son Isaac. Jacob spent the night wrestling with the angel of the Lord. Moses saw and heard the angel of the Lord in the form of a burning bush. This angel of God was in the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire that led Israel through the wilderness.

This angel seems to be not just from the Lord, but actually to be the Lord. Though the angel of the Lord seems in some ways to be distinct from God, he clearly is God—and therefore not at all like other angels. Who is this angel who is sometimes called God and who ministered to people by giving them directions and prophecies that were later fulfilled? Though nowhere does Scripture spell it out absolutely, it seems to indicate that the angel of the Lord was none other than the preincarnate Son of God. Centuries before Jesus was born in Bethlehem as a baby, he walked the earth manifesting himself as a ministering angel. God was there in the form of his angel, providing his loving guidance and careful protection, actively involved in the cares and affairs of men. It is almost as if he can’t help himself. His love for us means that he cannot remain uninvolved and aloof from us. He sees our need and he condescends to us. He cares. He comes.

The angel of the Lord’s appearances ceased after the birth of Jesus—further evidence that he was that angel. He has come to us in the person of Jesus, he has given us the Holy Spirit, and he has spoken to us in the revelation of Scripture. His very Spirit lives with us and in us.

Angel of the Lord, Holy One from God, keep coming down! How I need you in my distress. Come down and speak to me. Come down and walk with me. Come down and save me. Visit me with your holy presence and carry me.

DIGGING DEEPER