Chances are, it is something loosely based off pictures like this one:
Obviously, it may not be exactly like that. But let me tell you this, I can almost guarantee you imagined it having wings. Why is this? Because of pictures like the one above. You see, as far as I can tell, the Bible never mentions angels having wings. Other heavenly beings do, but not angels.
I decided to make this post after reading in Judges chapter 6. In that chapter, Gideon is met by an angel of the Lord. When Gideon first began talking to the angel, he thought he was talking to just a man. This is consistent with many encounters between men (or women) and angels. Many times, they seem indistinguishable from any other person. This is the case with Gideon and the angel. Gideon never even realizes he's talking to an angel until the angel makes Gideon's offering burn up in flames by simply touching it with the tip of his staff. The angel disappeared after this, leaving Gideon in shock. He thought he was going to die, having just seen an angel of the Lord.
Most of the times you hear of angels in the Bible, people do not realize they are angels at first. Of course there are other times, the instances in Matthew come to mind, where people realize immediately that they are talking to angels. In cases like this, the angels first must either convince those they are speaking to that 1) they are not going to kill them and/or 2) that the angels themselves should not be praised, but the Lord the messenger serves.
Now, for those few readers of mine who understand what any of these mean: JJ, ((W)) ((W)), WYWUAS, JE, OMBC, and several others, I know what came to your mind when I said "Angel". And guess what, that is a much more accurate description. For those of you who don't know, I am talking about Jackie Evancho.
(Official site:http://www.jackieevancho.com/us/home)
Many call her an angel. Others say she is a super powered being sent down from some advanced alien race, while others say she is possessed by the ghost of a 300 year old opera singer. I'll be talking about the first theory; the "angel" theory.
I mention her because, biblically, she is a better representation of an angel then pictures like the one I showed above. She looks like perfectly normal human being, sounds like one (just not one for her age), acts like one (better than most though), ect. I am not saying she is an angel, at least not a biblical angel sent by the Almighty such as Gabriel or Michael, what I am saying though, is that she is closer to the biblical description. Meaning, no wings and seems like an ordinary person. Of course, angels also have the power to destroy entire armies by themself. I would rather not find out if Jackie could do that, since she is seen as a messenger of peace, and frankly, there's a chance I might be in that destroyed army by then. So I will just say she has an amazing gift from the Creator (who can give whatever gift He wants, to whatever extent, to anyone He wants) but is still a human being.
Now, to continue on, since it feels like I was stagnating. Now, if most encounters with men and angels seem like an encounter between two human beings, such as we see often in the Bible, how many times does that still happen today? I have heard, and I am sure many of my readers have as well, of stories happening even in these modern times of encounters with people they later believe to be angels. Now, if angels seem just like perfectly normal people, how many angels do we see in our life? How many angels have I seen? How many times do we interact with angels on a daily basis? Have I seen any today? I will never know until I get to Heaven. But it does get you thinking. It leaves me thinking...
Thanks for the comments. I don't believe Jackie to be an angel, though I don't question her gift to us by God. I don't see her living a life of perfection, performing any kind of super, human feats, etc. I also have problems with the way people "worship" her as though she were literally angelic if not deity.
ReplyDeleteHaving stated that I do not want to take anything away from who she truly is and do believe that she is extraordinarily gifted, demonstrates a good (albeit not perfect) role model to children, as well as adults.
There is no doubt that she is charming, adorable, precious and one that most everyone would love to meet, and rightfully so. She shows more goodness than most children (as well as adults) show today and in that sense truly is a remarkable child. However, how often have we witnessed dramatic turn-a-rounds in young lives as they grow older and as such it is vital that Jackie receive the proper care, guidance, moral support and prayers that will sustain her good qualities into maturity.
All I'm really saying is that Jackie is fully human and it's great that we can provide her with adulations and encouragement, but I also believe it's important that we keep things in proper perspective and not go overboard in a manner that would make into a "supernatural", creating false illusions. I am confident, however that she has the proper sensibilities to not be trapped by such comments that would elevate to a loft beyond what is real.
Yes, I fully appreciate and adore Jackie and believe her be extremely talented beyond her years. Keep it up, Jackie. I do believe you will go far, but do keep you feet on the ground.
I agree with your comment. I don't believe I put enough emphasis on how Jackie IS STILL FULLY HUMAN. I was pretty much thinking out loud, and since that was already assumed in my head, I never bothered to say it directly (I think).
ReplyDeleteBut your point is well made. Jackie is a human, just as imperfect as the rest of us, though many of her qualities exceed ours. I have problems with people who seem to worship her as well. They should worship her Creator, not the created.
Thank you for reading and the comment!
Somewhere the LORD said, "I knew you when you were in the womb." Jackie was born 4/9/2000. At some point within the 9 months prior to that the LORD reached in and formed the voice-box of that tiny miracle. HE had a plan - to create a beautiful creature with the innocents of a child and just to get our attention, the voice of an Angel. At just the right time in the plan, HE sent Mommee and the children to see a movie - Of all things - The Phantom ? But that was enough to jump-start the voice-box and wonderful memory of the greatest singing sensation of the ages. NOW why did HE do that? So she could enjoy singing for people? So people could enjoy her voice? So people would be moved to tears by her message? MESSAGE? By Jove - I think I've got it. She is a Messenger! HE sent a beautiful, pure, innocent, child of GOD - with the voice of one of HIS Angels to bring us HIS message. I think we had better listen - carefully. She may very-well be the last Messenger HE sends.
ReplyDeleteI believe the primary thesis is:
ReplyDeleteHebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Fred points out that Jackie is a Messenger an Angelos (one sent either divine or human). I agree that she may well be the last Messenger of this age, but I'm a senior moderator of Bible_Prophecy-L and biased.
Theologically, Jackie may be wrong, but not from her perspective as child.
You probably haven't seen this yet. When people heard this it was an experience not words.
Jackie's Spoken Prayer:
"Father, as you can see, I'm just a child
And there's so much to understand
But if Your Grace should surround me
Then I'll do the best I can
I promise. I'll do the very best I can"
Overall I believe that Jackie will remain true to her prayer. Of course she is not divine. Yet, think for a moment. Christ emptied himself (kenosis) of the attributes of God and became fully man; a kinsman redeemer.
Both depended on His Grace. There is both danger in elevation Jackie to "Divine" and relegating her to a mere child. If Jackie is gifted by God, Who doesn't repent (take back) of His gifts, maybe we should listen a bit more closely. While singing is enumerated not among the gifts, love is.
Fred, you're great, even if you are from Ohio:-)