Nougat 30

Do you believe in angels? I’m talking about divine being kind of angels, not humans that we refer to as angels, angels. Some of us do. Whether we do or not, the Bible says they did for sure. To the extent where others could see them. I wonder how I’d react if I saw angels and recognized them as such. What would you do? Consider today’s Holy Nougat.

“When Jacob saw them [ie the angels], he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭32‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Holy Ground

Some of us sing the song during corporate worship, or in moments of praise, but were we aware that the song ‘Holy Ground’ is based on this moment? For me, I’m usually thinking of Moses when I think about Holy Ground, because God uses those words to Moses at that Self-revelatory moment. But, if we revert to Exodus 3, there’s a burning bush – no angels. So, are we familiar with the backstory to Jacob’s worship?

Yes, you are right if you remembered that this was a vision Jacob had shortly before he confronted his Truth. At this point in his journey home (and he had a long way to go emotionally!) Jacob was still unsure about his reception from Esau, and he might have been a little scared. Although he was scared and operating on behalf of ‘Team Jacob’, he was within God’s favour. And that’s why he had the angelic visitation.

They were a sign from God to Jacob that he was not alone, that God would fight for him. It could also signify God’s approval of Jacob’s conflict resolution approach. For Jacob had just parted company with his father-in-law Laban at Mizpah (aka Galeed), where an altar of witness was established between the two. I wonder then whether Mahanaim referenced the two factions of disfavor that Jacob sought to win over, or was it solely about his camps and the Lord’s.

Regardless of his reasoning, it is later obvious that Jacob didn’t put his faith in those angels. He was still operating in Jacob-strength in the interest of Team Jacob. Why do I say that? For even then, Jacob was still making plans to his best interest. Siblings, it is possible for us to be under God’s grace, to be in God’s favor and yet be so unmoved by the evidence of God’s anointing.

Yes, we know that angels are messengers of God, and that some are even sent on assignment for our benefit. But of what value is our worship if we miss God’s message? And does the visible sign of angels in our presence make a space holy? Now I am not advocating for angel worship. But perhaps spending some time with God, or strategizing with God about next steps might be proactive.

Has God sent angels or other signs that God’s grace and anointing is ours in a situation? Do we recognize the space as Holy? If so, it’s time to reverence God, giving thanks for favor all the way.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ