Watchers From On High

by WOODS, D. | Category: The Ministry Of Angels | Sept 2007

King Nebuchadnezzar received a vision from God in which he foresaw his own humbling (Dan.4). Only Daniel, so in tune with God in every area of his life, could provide the interpretation. The vision introduced an interesting heavenly 'agent', referred to as an 'angelic watcher' (Dan.4:13, 23), one member of what would seem to be an unnumbered office of angels (Dan.4:17).

This holy one, as he is described, had the responsibility to pass on the �"decree ... decision � command"� of �"the angelic watchers � the holy ones"� relating to Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.4:17). It is important to say here that we cannot for a moment infer that angels, of any rank or position, could ever make decisions relating to the destiny of any human being. Only God is sovereign, and only He can make such decisions.

It's interesting to trace the original Aramaic word used for 'watcher', which is only found in Daniel 4, to root words which indicate 'the opening of the eyes' or 'to be awake'. We might think of those never-resting heavenly beings covered with eyes that are described for us in Revelation and Ezekiel. Angels are beings that do not sleep, always awake to obey the command of God whilst at the same time appearing to pay close attention to what is happening on earth. 'Watcher' brings in to view both aspects of angels' service, namely, attentiveness to every order from God and the immediate reaction to any such commands, and attentiveness to the welfare of humans on earth.

Scriptures such as 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 His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will�, and Hebrews 1:14 �Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?� lend weight to this dual role of angels.

When Job 1:6 (�there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD�) is considered alongside Daniel 4 we might learn that heavenly councils are convened where omniscient God would seem to discuss the affairs of men with assembled angelic watchers. These are then tasked with the responsibility to fulfil His commands and make His will known to men. Isn't it a wonderful thing to consider that these always-watching angelic beings can discuss our individual circumstances and situations with God, and maybe to some extent (like men & women through prayer), 'influence' God's decision-making process in the course of their meetings with Him?

When the apostle John saw an angel during his wonderful vision recorded in Revelation, he fell down to worship. The angel replied, �"Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets."� (Rev.22:9). Now we have a fuller appreciation of the work of these watchers, who consider themselves as working alongside us in our service for God. It's a great source of comfort and strength to any dedicated servant of God to know that these remarkable heavenly beings are involved so closely in our work for God, assisting us as we daily attempt to understand the will of God and act in accordance with it. Luke makes reference to the strengthening the Lord Jesus received from an angel as He contemplated the horror of Calvary; it would seem that we can know similar strengthening from angels as they minister to us the things that God has decreed.

Paul could write, �we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men� (1 Cor.4:9). How the heavenly watchers must have looked on with astonishment at the hardships and the great persecution the apostles endured for their faith in their Saviour! Angels know Christ as their Creator and Lord, but not as Saviour. We serve Christ because we love Him for His atoning sacrifice, because He first loved us, because He is our Saviour. The outworking of our love and devotion today (which may result in hardship, loneliness and persecution) is still a spectacle for these beings. How these angels must rejoice with God as they view redeemed lives dedicated to serving the Master, and are directly involved in the support and care of the saints of God.

We are never alone in our service for God, someone is always watching!

WOODS, D. | Sept 2007
The Ministry Of Angels