ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 3, 2025
In yesterday’s Bible Study, we were looking at the story of Moses encountering a burning bush that was not consumed. Of course, it is the marvelous story where Moses encounters an angel/God in the burning bush, and in that experience, Moses is invited to return to Egypt, confront Pharaoh, and to guide the people from slavery to freedom. Someone in the group asked about angels speaking on behalf of God, and whether we are ever those angels. In Hebrew, the word we translate as angel is mal’ak, which means messenger or ambassador. It does not necessarily mean a little cupid with wings. And in the New Testament, the Greek word we translate as angel is Aggelos, which means one who carries a message. Neither one of the words are necessarily heavenly beings who float around, thus suggesting that we can be those angels.
This Sunday, as we talk about our Core Value of hospitality, I will reference Hebrews 13:2, where we read, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” I don’t believe this passage was intended to create a debate over what angels look like. Instead, I am of the opinion that it was intended to heighten our awareness of all the ways God’s message of love, mercy, kindness, and justice can come alongside us and speak truth to us. When we open our hearts, our lives, and even our homes, often God finds a way of bringing a sacred message to us simply because we chose to show hospitality to someone, who was in fact, an angel, a divine messenger.
Continue to awaken my spirit, Holy God, as I seek to know you and to recognize those sacred, yet often unexpected moments when you find a way of bringing a clear and powerful word to me. Amen.
