Image by Giulia Riccobono via Flickr

“Don’t touch my man!” According to the armed man who walked in to church intent on shooting the pastor, that’s how the seven-foot tall angel cautioned him. Apparently, as the would-be murderer approached the platform where the unaware pastor was standing, he looked up and saw the imposing figure of an angel crowding protectively behind him. Filled with dread and conviction the man fell on his knees, confessed his intentions, and asked the pastor to pray for him.

I certainly can’t speak to the validity of the story—all I can tell you is that the pastor in the story is a credible man, and I heard the story from him personally. But whether or not his story is legitimate, the Bible contains numerous references that validate the idea of angels walking among us. According to the Scriptures, angels exist to serve and worship God (Psalm 68:17), but in serving Him some of them serve people too (Hebrews 1:13-14). Psalm 91:11 says, “He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

I like that! I like to picture an angelic bodyguard watching over us because they love Him.

It’s not as fantastic as it sounds. Belief in angels extends far beyond Christianity, but Christianity gives the most compelling explanation for their existence: they are “ministering spirits” intent on doing God’s will. We don’t worship angels or pray to angels (Colossians 2:18), but we can thank God for their unseen ministry in the world around us.