Faithful on Fridays Blog

Who doesn’t like decorating? Whether it be an office, bedroom, or even a garage (yes, my husband decorated ours), we like to make it a reflection of ourselves. When we gaze on our creativity there may be photographs, artwork, or furniture that brings a smile as our memories are triggered. God knew that, even created our minds with the need for memory and angels are included.

When God dictated the instructions for Moses to build the Tabernacle He gave specific plans for decorating. Precious metals and jewels, fine fabric and wood were chosen to create a place for His Presence: the shekinah. Interestingly, we find angels included in the embroidery, carvings, and blatantly displayed in solid gold in the Holy of Holies overshadowing the Mercy Seat. Are those details, which all have meaning, a reflection of His character as well?

They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain. Hebrews 8:5 ESV

Cherubim, the plural for a specific order of angels, were woven, formed, and carved into various parts of the Tabernacle as well as Solomon’s Temple. I think they served as reminders to the people that God had their back. We find many accounts of angelic visitations in the Old Testament but God’s people, including us, required mementos to help us remember that angels are at His service.

Whether sitting or standing, worshipping or praising, guarding or fighting, cherubim are vital to God’s plan. After the fall, due to His unfailing love for humanity, He positioned angels to keep us from remaining in the state of sin for eternity.

After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 NLT

He began in Genesis and ended in Revelation intricately weaving angelic activity into the whole Bible:

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.
Revelation 22:16 NLT

Whether it be their physical appearance, their specific mission, or their symbolism (Ezekiel, Daniel, or John’s visions): angels serve as reminders as well as servants. Wherever you are, God is there and will go to any extent to help you, even using these divine ‘go-betweens’ connecting heaven and earth. Jesus spoke to Nathaniel about this in John 1:51, reminding him of these supernatural, living beings:

“Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.

Think about angels this week and feel secure in His care.