The Heavenly Host

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

We peer back into history into the heavenly abode of God. We see a huge number of angels gathering together. They are very excited, for they have been summoned to accompany the Angel of the Lord to the earth. They do not know the purpose for their journey, only that they will be called to sing praises to God. This they do on a regular basis before the throne of God, but to travel to earth in mass to sing before men is another matter. We find them seated in numerous rows waiting to hear their exact destination and who will make up the audience for their great choral delivery. The Angel of the Lord comes before the multitude and begins his briefing.

 

“I am blessed that you are so excited and anxious to give God glory once again. I know you will sing with great purity and skill. God created you specifically for such a purpose and He is always pleased with your praise and worship in song. Our destination is of course earth as you know, but specifically we will be appearing to those gathered near Bethlehem. When we arrive I will make the most amazing announcement to mankind.”

 

An angel in the second row cannot contain himself and blurts out a question.

 

“What is this announcement?”

 

“I appreciate your curiosity. The announcement I will make concerns the birth of Jesus on the earth in human form.”

 

Immediately a huge chorus of praises and hallelujahs breaks out amongst the angels. They know that this is an exceptional announcement that they will be privileged to participate in. Nothing like it has ever taken place before in the history of time. The Angel of the Lord continues.

 

“Jesus Christ the Son of God will take on human form so that He can minister to them and teach them in the ways of God.”

 

Before the Angel of the Lord can continue, another angel blurts out a question.

 

“How long will Jesus live on earth and will He return to heaven?”

 

“Thanks for your concern about Jesus. Jesus will remain on the earth for thirty-three years. I know that’s a very short period of time in the heavenly scheme of things, but it is sufficient time for Him to accomplish what He has to do. He will return to heaven soon after His death on the cross.”

 

A great sadness can be perceived over the huge crowd of angels. Heads hang low. Tears run down cheeks. Sighs of anguish can be heard throughout the heavenly chamber. Another angel blurts out his concern.

 

“Our Lord Jesus Christ will die?”

 

“Please, please my heavenly angelic brothers, don’t weep for Jesus. He will experience death, but it will not hold Him. He will be victorious over death. He will return to heaven a victor over sin and your evil brother Satan. You will see Him again reigning in glory at the right hand of the Heavenly Father.”

 

An angel raises his hand with a question.

 

“Yes, what do you wish to know.”

 

“Pardon me, but won’t Jesus suffer when He is on the cross?”

 

“Yes He most assuredly will. I would rather not go into detail about what He is to suffer for it will bring you great sadness. But He must do the will of His Father, to bring salvation to mankind.”

 

“I don’t understand?”

 

“I realize that angels cannot fathom why God would sacrifice His only Son to pay for the sinful human race, but you must understand the Heavenly Father loves mankind intensely. He desires to fellowship with them but their sin stands as a barrier. God demands perfect and complete payment for sins in order for fellowship to be possible. So you see, the Lord Jesus Christ being perfect can fulfill the payment for sins because He is perfectly pure and holy. Only by the payment of blood through an adequate sacrifice can such sins of mankind be paid for.”

 

“As only an angel I am not sure if I understand completely for the ways of God are strange to me. I cannot comprehend how He could love such sinful people so much. To give up His only perfect and pure Son is a mystery. I give Him my praise and worship for that is why I was created. I will serve Him all the days of my existence, but I am not sure if I will ever understand the depth and breadth of such love. Such a deep love is rare beyond measure. Who can comprehend such love?”

 

“Yes, it is amazing how much He loves these frail rebellious creatures, but this love comes from the depth of His heart.”

 

Another angel raises his hand with a question.

 

“Sir, I know we will sing praises of God when we arrive in the heavens above the earth, but who will be present? Will there be kings of great nations or prominent leaders of governments. Possibly they will be very rich powerful men who have great influence over the great populations and races of men on the earth?”

 

“No my brother. There will be neither kings or princes, rulers or aristocrats, not even men or women of prominence who will hear your praises of worship. There will only be humble shepherds, men of humble means.”

 

Many angels appear confused over this statement of the Angel of the Lord. Another angel raises a hand with a question.

 

“Yes my brother.”

 

“Again I am unable to comprehend the purposes of the Heavenly Father. Surely if the birth and death of His Son is of such great importance He would desire that those in power on the earth, those individuals who have influence over the masses should hear of the news first?”

 

“I understand your confusion, but the Mighty God wishes to seek the humble and meek of the earth for they will inherit it. Most men of the earth do not seek God, nor desire to hear of such a Savior. Those with great power seek further domination over men. Those of great influence are concerned with their popularity. Those rich with wealth take security in their possessions. The poor and downtrodden, those ill and suffering hardship, those who are humble and contrite in spirit, who are aware of their shortcomings are the people who seek after a Savior. God in His great wisdom knows this and grants them this gift of hearing you, the Heavenly Host sing praises of worship to God at this great announcement of salvation for mankind. Now my brothers, let us proceed to serve our Majestic God, Creator of the Universe, Savior of Mankind and travel to earth to life our voices in praise to Him who was and is, who always will be, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

 

With a shout the Angel of the Lord and the Heavenly Host went their way to the earth to praise God with the announcement of the birth of the Savior.

 

 

Luke 2:8-15

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”