Most scenes describing encounters with angels show the people involved as terrified. It's a strange thing to encounter something otherworldly! But when we look closely the encounters with the Angel of the Lord are different than other angelic encounters. What is different about these encounters with the Angel of the Lord will surprise you and expand your knowledge and understanding of God. Why is it significant for us to see The Angel of the Lord as Jesus? 1) Jesus didn’t begin to exist in Bethlehem; 2) Jesus has always been God’s mediator with His people; 3) God is not distant from human suffering; 4) Jesus is the God who keeps His promises. Practical takeaway: God’s promises aren’t disconnected statement scattered throughout Scripture They are part of one unified redemptive story centered on Christ.
Scriptures referenced: Genesis 16:7-16; Exodus 3:1-6; Exodus 3:14; John 8:58-59; John 1:1, 14; Genesis 16:7-13; Genesis 22:11-18; Genesis 31:11-13; Genesis 48:15-16; Exodus 3:2-15; Exodus 23:20-23; Joshua 5:133-15; Judges 13:3-22; Zechariah 3:1-7. See the attached Sermon Notes for additional verses related to Angel of the Lord as: The Word; The Name; The Glory; The Face/Presence; The Right Hand/Arm; The Commander/Prince; The Son.
