Back in 2014, during the war in Afghanistan, a U.S. military vehicle broke down in the desert in the Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold. The rest of the convoy was ordered back to base and the stranded soldiers had to await a repair crew’s arrival that couldn’t come until the morning. But in the air above them, Colonel Dale Fridley watched over them throughout the night by means of an armed aerial drone. And so, the stranded soldiers slept in peace that night even in enemy territory.
David Zucchino told that story in a Los Angeles Times article about the work of drone pilots. When I read it, I thought how it perfectly illustrates the situation you and I are in spiritually. Until Jesus comes, we’re in enemy-occupied territory, but angels guard us from above.
Angels loyal to God’s people protect us from angels hostile to God’s people. That should make you more alert and more confident at the same time.
Some go through life oblivious to malevolent forces that want to bring them down. They need to be reminded of what Simon Peter wrote: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT).
But others go through life crippled with anxiety over this threat. They need to be reminded of innumerable “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14 ESV).
God expects us to live both alert and confident.
Two weeks ago, on Easter, we began a series about angels. In this four-week study, we’ll look at four things: what angels do, what angels are, whom angels fight, and whom angels worship. We’ve already looked at the first two subjects, and you can find those sermons on our website. This Sunday, we’ll look at whom angels fight.
Would you forward this email newsletter to someone? Maybe someone you used to see at Hillcrest but you haven’t seen in a while. Or maybe someone you think might be interested in joining you in a study of this fascinating subject.
See you at 10am this Sunday!
Tom
Tom Goodman serves as pastor at Hillcrest Church in Austin, Texas. His sermons are available on YouTube and the HillcrestToGo Podcast and you can find him on Facebook and Twitter. If someone forwarded this email newsletter to you, sign up here to receive Tom’s weekly devotional in your email inbox.