MYSTERIOUS HELPERS

Louise suffers from muscular dystrophy. While trying to leave a train station one day, she found herself facing a large flight of stairs without an elevator or escalator. In her helplessness she was about to start crying. Suddenly Louise saw a man walk up next to her, pick up her bag and gently help her up the stairs.

When she turned to thank him, he was gone. Michael was late for a meeting. Already stressed out with issues at home, he started battling London’s traffic only to get a flat tyre. As he stood helplessly in the rain, a man stepped out of the crowd, opened the boot, jacked up the car and changed the wheel. When Michael turned to thank him, he was gone.

Who were these mysterious helpers? Kind strangers, or something more? The popular image we have of angels as radiant or winged creatures is only half true. While some appear this way (ISAIAH 6:2; MATTHEW 28:3), others come with dusty feet, ready for a meal (GENESIS 18:1-5) and are easily mistaken for everyday people (JUDGES 13:16). The writer of Hebrews says that by looking out for people and helping strangers, we can show “hospitality to angels
without knowing” (HEBREWS 13:2).

We don’t know if Louise and Michael’s helpers were angels. But according to the Bible, they could have been. Angels are at work right now, helping God’s people (1:14). And they can seem as ordinary as anyone else.

What I’m thankful for . . .

Thank You, God, for Your provision—whether through angels, friends, family or anyone or anything else, You are always looking out for me