An Invisible Army

When we read about angels in the Bible, they were, on many occasions, the executors of God’s judgment. For example, on one occasion, angels brought God’s judgment, killing 185,000 people.

Billy Graham described angels as God’s secret agents. That’s a good description of them, because they generally operate undercover, doing the bidding and work of God.

One reason we’re not personally aware of angels in our lives is because they’re doing their job properly. They remain invisible most of the time, except on occasions when God sends them on a special mission and they clothe themselves in human form. But when they appear in all their splendor, they are no doubt very beautiful to behold.

The Bible’s description of angels is certainly awe-inspiring, especially in the visions of both the apostle John (in Revelation) and Ezekiel. If we were able to roll away the veil that separates the physical world from the spiritual one, if we could get a behind-the-scenes look into the invisible world of angels and demons, it would overwhelm us.

On one hand it would be frightening to see the demonic powers that are clearly at work. But on the other hand, it would be exciting to see the angels that are working in the lives of believers.

This very thing happened to the servant of Elisha, who was terrified by the armies that were closing in on him and the prophet. But Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” (2 Kings 6:17 NLT). And in a moment, this young man had the privilege of peeking behind the supernatural veil and getting a rare glimpse into the invisible world.

The Bible says that when the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, “he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:17 NLT). What he saw was the equivalent of an army. An angelic military force had surrounded Elisha and his servant.

We see throughout the pages of Scripture that angels are alive, well, and working. And the Bible says they also will be working mightily in the last days. Angelic activity will reach a fever pitch in both the holy and the unholy realms. The angels of God will be active, and demons will be active as well.

Then, one day, the archangel will call all true believers to Heaven. The Bible says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 NLT).

Yes, there is coming a day when those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will literally leave this earth in what we call the Rapture. Where will you be on that day?

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