Attention to Detail part 2 Powers That Be

Paul writes to the early Christians in Ephesus. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." (Ephesians 3:10) The Today's New International Version words it thus: "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms".

Before we begin, the Indo-European root for the word angel is "angelos". Just an observation but it's one of the more fully-formed and long roots in my Indo-European dictionary. While most roots are gutteral and primitive consonant/vowel sounds, this one stands out for its completeness and length. Is there something to be known here? I dunno. I do know, at least that it means "messenger". Now, "principalities and powers" includes all the angelic beings. The ones in charge of major stuff. Like events and outcomes and timelines. Names and places and locales. Countries, etc. But before anyone would get into talking about or even thinking about angels, at least correctly, one would need to realize that they are indeed "complete in [Jesus] which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) This is the foundation for clear thinking on the matter should you notice things on the fringe or should your curiosity simply stray along those lines.

Patronymic

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:13-14)

This is what patronymy is. Taking the name from the father--the patriarch. God has called us by His name and we are ever getting closer. But what about the other members of God's family? I.e. the angels? What about them? Not much to say only that they are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). I can tell you, if Jesus would need angels to minister to and help him during his times of severe trial (see Matthew 4:11), we'll need the same. Now, going along with the "flow back to God" (as it says regarding patronymy) thing, understand that it's all His power. His grace, His mercy, His help. God parses out and diffuses His presence through angelic beings in much the same way (but also different, as we shall soon glimpse) as He does through humans.

"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. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet." (Psalm 91:11-13)

Angels do only what they've been tasked with. Does this extend into their knowledge base? Who knows. I will say this, that when Peter speaks of the "gospel...sent down from Heaven: which things the angels desire to look into." (1 Peter 1:12) It reminds me of the verse at the top of the page. And this is the main point I'm getting at. Imagine resplendent beings. Each one a unique entity and absolutely awe-inspiring. Imagine their countenance, their strength and bearing. No human office nor dignity can compare. Now imagine them in echelons. Sitting in a colosseum and bearing down upon the witness in the stand. Think of their responsbilities and their authority. Take all this into account in your imagination and then realize that they are looking at you. The things God is having you go through and live are being recorded for posterity. Paul talks about "the manifold wisdom of God". It's being displayed in your life--for them. Now, in all this, don't get your eyes off of Jesus. They wouldn't appreciate that. And don't become so fixated upon them and their light that you "dash thy foot against a stone". Of course the psalm says they wouldn't let that happen, but it's understood that we're walking with our attention trained on the Lord. Not on any other distracting entity. Because the other side of this is as follows.

Testing one two

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

I wonder about things. I wonder about the perfection that God pulls off when you are walking in His Spirit. And then I see other things that are mere coincidence and that couldn't have happened by chance but that don't point back to God. There are greater things going on than we see. The best thing I can recommend is having a little heart-to-heart with Jesus and not getting worked up about this stuff. And if you already are, that's cool. It's most likely because God is showing you things you need to know, that you can in turn turn around and explain to the angels should the opportunity arise. You're human, they aren't.

"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:" (1 John 4:2-3a) Oh, and just so you know, you have authority over all that in Jesus' name. The Holy Spirit'll show you what's what.

Weights and Measures

Making Light