Have you ever had a moment in your life when you knew, without a doubt, that God was speaking to you? Maybe it was through Scripture, a word of encouragement, a dream, or a perfectly timed conversation. Throughout Scripture, one of the most fascinating ways God communicates is through angels.
Recently, as I was reading through the book of Judges, I was struck by the story of Manoah and his wife, the parents of Samson. Judges 13 tells us that “the angel of the Lord appeared” to Manoah’s wife and told her she would bear a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Later, when Manoah asks to meet the messenger again, the angel appears once more and confirms the message.
Then comes the awe-inspiring moment:
“As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame! Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground.” (Judges 13:20)
Can you imagine that? A message from heaven, a miraculous sign, and then the angel ascends in the fire. No wonder they were overwhelmed! It’s one of the most dramatic angelic appearances in the Old Testament, and it reminds me that God sometimes chooses divine messengers to speak into very human situations.
Angels: Messengers of God’s Purposes
The word angel literally means messenger. In both the Old and New Testaments, angels appear to deliver God’s messages with clarity, urgency, and divine authority. Some messages are warnings. Some are announcements of miracles. Some provide comfort or strength in times of distress.
Here are just a few powerful examples:
- Gabriel to Mary – “You will conceive and give birth to a son…” (Luke 1:31)
- Angel to Zechariah – “Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son.” (Luke 1:13)
- Angels to the shepherds – “I bring you good news of great joy…” (Luke 2:10)
- Angel to Joseph in a dream – “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” (Matthew 1:20)
- An angel strengthening Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43)
In every case, the angel is not the focus—the message is. And behind the message is the heart of a God who is involved, intentional, and full of grace.
Are Angels Still at Work Today?
While we may not see angels ascend in the fire or appear in physical form very often, Scripture tells us that angels are still active:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
Sometimes the message comes through a person, sometimes through a dream, and yes—sometimes even through an angelic visitation. I’ve heard many testimonies over the years from trustworthy people who sensed they were being helped, guided, or protected in supernatural ways.
As a worship leader and pastor, I’ve found that God often speaks in the early quiet moments when I’m alone with Him reading the Word—when my heart is still, my distractions are few, and I’m listening with a posture of surrender. His messages come through the pages of Scripture, a gentle prompting, or a sudden insight that brings clarity and peace.
Responding Like Manoah and His Wife
What I love about Manoah and his wife is their humble, reverent response. They didn’t try to explain it away. They didn’t boast. They bowed. Their reaction reminds me that when God speaks—whether through an angel, His Word, or a whisper to our hearts—the right response is always worship, awe, and obedience.
Let’s be people who listen. Who expect God to speak. Who receive His messages with open hearts. And like Manoah and his wife, who fall on our faces when the glory of God shows up.
Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God sent a message—through a person, a dream, a Scripture, or even something more mysterious? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
Let’s keep listening for His voice.
