Comments on: Melancholy Angels

By: Dorothy Seyller

Dorothy Seyller — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 15:34:02 +0000

I enjoyed your interesting piece on angels. Thanks for making me think more about the subject.

By: Harry

Harry — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 17:28:52 +0000

I read your article on angels with great interest. At the turn of every year I immerse myself in the book of Revelation, largely to remind myself of the present and anticipated victory that is ours in Christ. And of course Revelation is full of references to angels. Angels are everywhere. The interpretive lens we use for Revelation varies, but I embrace the perspective that sees persecution, and the related suffering, as a key to understanding the book. That immersion in Revelation somewhat makes angelic realities seem the norm, though admittedly, when angelic appearances seemingly come to others, I tend to miss them. On the normalization of angelic realities, it does seem that in Acts 12:15, the early believers were quick to assume angelical activity, with little or no surprise. And I wonder if angels are more apt to show up in times of great suffering, particularly persecution. Years ago I read the book Lilies Amongst Thorns: Chinese Christians Tell Their Stories Through Blood and Tears by Danyun (1991). I was struck by how frequent angels would appear to either provide deliverance (as Peter in Acts 12) or comfort and strength in the midst of suffering and loss. Truly, perhaps a primary role of angels is that of ‘ministering spirits sent to serve those’ (Heb. 1:14) under great oppression. H. Strauss

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 13:40:28 +0000

In reply to Steve Kamerick. I need those prayers, Steve. A true gift for which I thank you. --Philip

By: Steve Kamerick

Steve Kamerick — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 12:49:51 +0000

Good morning Philip, and thank you for this thought of angelic visits and actions, a subject I too have not considered amongst any study theme or pattern of learning about Christian life.
We Followers of Christ sometimes forget to notice important things or actions that have taken place and who or how the action had been carried out. We only see the sum of it all without seeing the details that brought it to pass. When the familiar words, “we may be entertaining angels without recognizing it.” (my paraphrase of Paul’s thought.)
You and your wife are subjects of my prayer life daily with few exceptions. I pray the coming New Year will bring an even closer fellowship between you and God.
Steve

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 15:25:20 +0000

In reply to Ann O'Malley. You make a very good point, Ann. And thank you for alerting us to your blog. --Philip

By: Ann O'Malley

Ann O'Malley — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 14:54:56 +0000

“Melancholy Angels”? Who would ever use such a phrase? I want you to know how much I appreciate your stepping outside the bounds of evangelical correctness and going deeper into the puzzling truths of Scripture, including your reference to melancholy angels. I’ve never thought of angels this way.

Sometimes I find myself questioning the first few chapters of Matthew and Luke when they say over and over again that God used an angel or a dream to tell someone exactly what they needed to know or do. Why would He rely so heavily on such an unusual means of communication? But recently I realized that the battle between good and evil has seldom been seen more clearly on this planet than it is in these passages. Maybe the intensity of the warfare required the use of rare weapons. Maybe the people involved needed clear and obvious directions from God in opposition to the wily lures of Satan. Maybe the uniqueness of the form of communication underscores the uniqueness of the times. The same could be said of the other New Testament references to angels that you list here. (Adapted from my blog at https://thosewhoweep.blogspot.com/2018/12/o-little-town-of-bethlehem.html)

It’s frustrating and humbling to know that I still doubt some of the details in His Word even after being a Christian for more than 40 years, but I’m thankful that we have a God who continues to teach me, rather than punishing me for my lack of faith.

By: Suleman

Suleman — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 11:29:33 +0000

Love from Pakistan

By: Allan and Juliet

Allan and Juliet — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 16:44:20 +0000

Merry Christmas. God bless you and your wife always.

By: Herb

Herb — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 23:23:56 +0000

As Edwin says above, “in this world, sometimes it’s difficult to see evidence of a loving God”. Sometimes, I feel that way also. But, many of Philip’s books say “we believers are the evidence of God on earth”. So, if the evidence is hard to see, maybe we should look at ourselves. God bless you, Philip.

By: Marilyn Ehle

Marilyn Ehle — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 22:50:29 +0000

While living in Germany, we were privileged to get acquainted with a grey-haired, noble, regal woman who had survived World War II. One Sunday our American pastor of a somewhat liberal bent was, with great erudition, “explaining away” the possibility of angelic beings. Suddenly C.—with quiet, firm determination—began describing personal angelic interventions, not only protecting her and her children, but confounding the enemy so whole villages were spared.
Who and what God chooses to use and when he chooses to intervenes, is part of the beautiful mystery of following him.