(5.) The Gospel Story of Tobit: Raphael and the Ministry of Angels
(5.) The Gospel Story of Tobit: Raphael and the Ministry of Angels.
“The prayer of both Tobit and Sarah found favor before the glory of God and in the presence of the great angel Raphael.” (Tobit 3:16).
The Healer. God heard both those prayers of anguish, and He sent His Archangel Raphael, which means “God heals“, to heal Tobit’s blindness, to arrange the marriage of Tobias and Sarah, and to bind “the worst demon” Asmodeus. The name of that demon which had been mercilessly harassing Sarah meant “Destroyer,” a name Jesus Himself gave to Satan. Human names are not the true heavenly names of the angels, but probably reflect more the mission of the angels. Azariah is also given as a nickname of Raphael, and that name means “the help of the Lord.” Raphael appeared to Tobit and family in disguise as a family member who will guide and guard Tobias along in his adventure to the far-off land. It remains a mystery why Raphael did not reveal his heavenly, angelic identity until after he accomplished his mission in chapter 12.
“All night, all day, angels watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, angels watching over me. Now I lay me down to sleep, angels watching over me, my Lord. Pray the Lord my soul to keep, angels watching over me.” (African American Spiritual).
All Night All Day (Angels Watching Over Me) – Isaac Cates, Affirmations
The Watchman. In the biblical era when there were walled cities, the citizens would always make sure there was a watchtower built onto the wall, at which would be posted a watchman. This person would be responsible to be on the lookout for the approach of a friend, enemy or stranger to the city. This watchman would need to listen to the instructions of the ruler of the city to distinguish between those three possibilities. And then if there was any threat or danger that approached the city, the watchman would blow a trumpet or sound an alarm. The watchman would also be on the lookout for the approach of good news as well, and would shout out to the citizens those whom they could welcome that was coming their way, including the announcement of the new day at each sunrise.
The Lookout. The Hebrew word for watchman was “mishmereth,” which means one who looks out in order to protect, to guard, to keep safe. The good watchman needed to have particular abilities: the mental discipline to be constantly alert, attentive and focused; to be fearless, calm and composed; to be shrewd and not easily fooled; to have acute hearing and eyesight; to be extremely observant and aware of surroundings; to be ready for anything, expectant, poised to act when called upon; to be someone who is able to wait patiently; to be able to discern the good from the bad, the welcome from the unwelcome.
“For God will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from stumbling and falling.” (Psalm 91:11-12).
Angels as Watchmen. This psalm underscores the reality that angels have always been used by God for our protection during spiritual warfare. This entire psalm is about divine protection of our soul during demonic attack. In verse 13, three of the great symbols of satanic power are mentioned by name: lions, snakes, and dragons. But we needn’t worry about demonic spirits capturing our souls or hurting us in any way spiritually, because, as the Orthodox Christian church has stated, “Believers can walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness.” The psalmist’s opening verses clearly declare that only those who dwell in God, who abide in faith to the Almighty God as refuge and fortress, will remain safe and protected from the demonic realm. Our soul is fiercely defended, and the victory is sure. Much of that spiritual protection comes from God’s angelic hosts. God has assigned His warriors to watch over us, to surround us with protection. As the Message puts it, “God ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling.” Rabbinic teaching has consistently maintained that guardian angels protect God’s people, even from demonic forces (David Stern). As David wrote in Psalm 103:20-21, “Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will.”
Angels watch with us in our prayer closet. “I will confess to you, O Lord, with all my heart; in the sight of the angels will I sing to You, for You have heard all the words of my mouth.” (Psalm 138:1). Father Reardon in his book Christ in the Psalms makes a special point that when we place our heart in the Throne Room in prayer, we place ourselves in the presence of the angels. He exclaims that “there is no such thing as ‘Private Prayer.’ In prayer we are always sustained by the angelic presence.”
Angels watch over believers. “In speaking of the angels, God says, ‘He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire… Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:7,14). As they watch over the earth, angels are the first to rejoice when a new believer enters into God’s sheepfold (Luke 15:10). We see this watchman role demonstrated many times in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament as they remain constantly alert to what is happening on the earth. They fed Elijah (1 Kings 19), they stopped the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:11), they came alongside Jacob and appeared to him a number of times (Gen. 28, 31, 32), they shut the lions’ jaws for Daniel (Dan. 6:22), and they intervened at many important moments in biblical history. God orders His angels to be our watchmen, to guard and protect us wherever we go (Ps. 91:11 and Ps. 34:7), and to patrol the earth (Zech. 1). In the New Testament, an angel provided the escape for Peter in prison (Acts 12:7), rescued all the imprisoned apostles (Acts 5:19), and intervened with the apostle Philip, directing him to meet up with the Ethiopian eunuch and then leading that Gentile to a spontaneous baptism in Christ (Acts 8:26-40). came alongside Paul in a dangerous storm at sea to speak words of encouragement (Acts 27:23). An angel came to their rescue when he “smote” King Herod during one of his typical moments of hubris, cutting Herod down and somehow making sure he was eaten by worms until he died (Acts 12:22-23). Jesus even mentioned in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man that angels were responsible to deliver us to paradise upon our death. (Luke 16:22).
Hark Hark My Soul | Frederick William Faber | Hymn | Harmony Of A Decade
Angels watched over Jesus. “Jesus Christ was gazed upon by angels and beheld by them.” (1 Timothy 3:16). Angels spoke personally and powerfully to Mary, to Joseph, and to the wise men in order to protect Jesus in His vulnerable state. They announced Him in full angelic choir to the Bethlehem shepherds in a mind-boggling way (Luke 2:9). They ministered to Jesus at critical times, including during the wilderness Temptations (Matthew 4:11) and the agony of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). It is implied in Scripture that they were always with Him during His life and ministry, ready to serve Him at any time as directed by the Father in heaven. It is clear that angels were poised to serve Jesus at any time, as He said to Peter, “Do you doubt that I couldn’t ask my Father, and He would even now send me more than twelve legions (literally 72,000) of angels?” (Matt. 26:53). Jesus also offered a glimpse of His glory on the Cross as He explained to His disciples early in His ministry, “Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51). The angels seemed especially watchful after the Resurrection… at the tomb and thereafter (Matt. 28:2-7; Mark 16:5-7; Luke 24:4-7, 23; John 20:12). There was an angel present soon after Christ’s Ascension as well (Acts 1:10).
Angels watch over children. Jesus made a special point that God has appointed guardian angels over children. “In heaven the angels of these children are continually gazing upon the face of My Father, always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10). Since they are constantly in an open communication with God, angels are definitely a major aspect of the heavenly support system of children here on earth, regardless of the child’s age. A parent can be certain that angels will minister to their adult children as well. Our children are watched over by God’s special messengers, who are always in the company of the Almighty God and have instant access to Him at all times.
Florida Mass Choir – All Night All Day (youtube.com)
Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will.” (Psalm 103:20-21).
Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones performed by The Riverside Choir | November 7, 2021
Heavenly messengers, swift in flight. Warrior watchmen full of light and fueled by the Holy Spirit. Freely choosing God’s will over your own, rejecting the call of Lucifer. Every second of every minute of every day surrounding God in the Throne Room and reverently worshipping Him in smoke and fire. Handmade before creation, built by Him to last through the end of time. Stationed east of Eden, guarding the Tree of Life until Paradise is opened and the Tree is available for all. Exuberant in full-throated song, and glad to bear the Good News to earth. Eager in obedience, content to run earthly errands for the King. Wise in God’s wisdom, articulate in speaking forth the mind of God. Ambassadors from the Palace, and nobody’s fools. Fearsome and fierce in mid-air battle. Supremely intelligent but unaware of God’s final plans. Curious but not impatient about God’s mysteries kept hidden. Trusting spirits continually reporting for duty. Sober and calm with earth-shattering announcements.
Come Gabriel and Blow Your Horn (feat. Reese Dickerson)
Guarding the vulnerable sheep in the Shepherd’s fold. Servant-watchmen always alert, focused, single-minded. Warrior Michael, “Who is like God,” in combat with demonic spirits in the heavenly realm, protecting God’s Chosen. Wordsmith Gabriel, “God Almighty is my strength,” entrusted with messages that change the world, appearing to Daniel, to Zechariah, and to mother Mary. Rescuer Raphael, “God has healed,” the heavenly physician dispatched from the Divine Healer, who stirred the pool of Bethesda and cares for the saints. Operatic angels, filling the sky with heavenly melodies and harmonies for The Birth Announcement. Trustworthy angels, warning father Joseph in his dreams, guiding the Magi, directing Cornelius in his prayers. Ministering angels, accompanying Jacob back to Canaan, encouraging Paul in a sea storm. Blow that heavenly trumpet on that triumphant day, Gabriel, joining with all the other holy ones, collecting all the lovers of the Lord from one corner of the earth to the other. And then enjoy your reaping time with the Judge at your side, sharing in that glorious and dreadful Day.
Jimmy Lee Henry – Gabriel Blow Your Horn – J-Sound 45 (WV)
Who were the most envied angels… those who were granted the joy and honor of ministering to Jesus. It doesn’t get better than announcing His mother’s conception, singing about His birth, keeping Him safe through a lot of perilous danger as a baby, caring for Him on the Mount of Temptation, accompanying Him wherever He traveled on His mission, drying His tears of despair in Gethsemane, rejoicing in His Resurrection at the tomb, pointing to heaven during His Ascension. How did the Lord God choose those angels who would have the delightful duty of ministering to the purest, sweetest and best of men? Did the angels waiting for orders draw straws? All the myriads of angels would have gladly volunteered for the job of staying close to Jesus. Did God have a difficult time choosing?