Nepaug Bible Church - http://www.nepaugchurch.org - Pastor's Adult Sunday School Notes - http://www.nepaugchurch.org/bb/bb20010603.htm
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (ORGANIZED BIBLE KNOWLEDGE)
Part IV: The Angel Of The Lord In Angelology
- Introduction
- A number of the cults believe Jesus Christ came into existence at some point in history.
- However, the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament is the Preincarnate Christ in His appearances before taking on humanity: this belief (1) gives evidence for the eternality of Jesus besides (2) encouraging us to look to Him to meet specific needs He has consistently met through the ages as that Angel of the Lord!
- The Angel Of The Lord In Angelology
- The "Angel of the Lord" references in the Old Testament often picture this Being as God, Gen. 16:7-13.
- This "Angel of the Lord" is different in Person from God the Father, cf. Zech. 1:12-13.
- By deductive reasoning, we identify this "Angel of the Lord" as God the Son (as follows):
- The functions of the Old Testament "Angel of the Lord" and the New Testament Incarnate Jesus Christ are the same: both are sent from the Father to reveal truth, to lead, defend and discipline men.
- Since John 1:18 declares no one has ever seen God, then God's appearances the Bible must be appearances cloaked in human form, thus best fitting the format of the Son's ministry as opposed to the Father Who is most always in Scripture (except in Revelation) presented as a Spirit.
- The "Angel of the Lord" ceases to appear at the Incarnation, leading us to deduce He is God the Son!
- The appearances of the "Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament give us insight applicable to our lives:
- Christ sensitively helped Hagar who was caught as a slave in a triangle with her mistress, Sarah and Abraham, Gen. 16:7-13; 21:17. He can thus help in similar difficult relationships today!
- As He spared Abraham from slaying his beloved Isaac, He can be sought by troubled parents who are deeply concerned about their children in trouble, Gen. 22:11-18!
- Christ led Abraham's servant to find a godly wife for Isaac when the pool for godly spouses was rather small, Gen. 24:7, 40. Christ can be sought for finding a godly spouse in today's godless world!
- Christ equipped Jacob to overcome Uncle Laban's financial manipulations against him, Gen. 31:11. He can be sought for help in similar hard financial dealings with relatives today!
- Jesus taught the maneuvering, self-help Jacob how to rely upon God for help and cease manipulating in Genesis 32:24-34. He can be sought to correct subborn manipulators today.
- Christ redeemed a beleaguered Joseph, Gen. 48:15-16. He can help others today who are similarly rejected by family members, misrepresented, forgotten in jail, etc.!
- He appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Ex. 3:2), led Israel by the cloud and pillar of fire (13:21; 14:19) and equipped the nation to conquer Palestine (23:20-23). He can help God's people in similar ways that they are corporately opposed so they can achieve God's will for them.
- Christ protected unsuspecting Israel from hexes in witchcraft by Balaam, Num. 22:22-31. He is to be sought by those afflicted or persecuted by those in witchcraft today.
- Our Savior judged Israel to live ever with troublesome Canaanites for adopting their idols, Jud. 2:1-4. He is to be respected today to avoid similar discipline for idolatrous leanings.
- Christ called and equipped fearful Gideon to defeat the Midianite hordes, Jud. 6:11-24. He can be sought today for help to stand for God's will amidst formidable foes.
- He supplied Samson's power for service, Jud. 13:3-23. Christ can supply what we need to obey God.
- Christ slew rebellious Israelites, 2 Sam. 24:1, 14-17. He is to be revered by us today, Heb. 12:29!
- Jesus equipped errant Elijah when he ran from Jezebel (1 K. 19:5-7) so he could have a spiritual rebound (2 K. 1:3, 15). He graciously helps believers rebound when they repent.
- Jesus slew the threatening Assyrian army when Hezekiah looked to God for help, 2 K. 19:35. He can similarly help His people to achieve God's will for them.
- Christ predicted future events to Zechariah, even including His eventual recognition as the resurrected Messiah to Israel, Zec. 12:4-14 et al. He can be sought today to handle the uncertainties of future events we face when we do the will of God for us!
Lesson: (1) The Old Testament Angel of the Lord is the Preincarnate Christ (2) Who can be trusted to address our needs as He met the full range of Old Testament saints' needs!