“And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, ‘Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!’” 2 Chronicles 14:11

Commander of Hosts

Cultivating Awe and Reverence for God, Day 25

Walk his Way revisited —First posted in January, 2017

When I was young, I thought heaven consisted of God, Jesus, and a couple of angels. The angels in my mind were women, just like I saw in Christmas decorations. (As far as we know, angels are neither male nor female—see Matthew 22:30—though we do know two of them are named Michael and Gabriel.) In artists’ renderings, angels wore long robes, had wings, and played harps while standing about on clouds. This was, of course, a childish mentality easily corrected by reading God’s Word.

Countless Scriptures allude to God going to battle on behalf of believers. “The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name” (Exodus 15:3). There are myriad ways He accomplishes His victories. The Lord’s “strong arm” is credited with most victories, but often angels were sent to fight enemies and even demons. No feminine harp-strummers here—these were mighty in strength and valor, heavenly warriors sent by God Himself on a mission. But He just as easily used other means to win battles. Often the Word just says, “He defeated the army.” Or they were all thrown to the ground. Or they turned on themselves and killed one another. Or plague, illness, blindness, fear, or weakness suddenly came upon them. (Note to self: never allow the thinking that God doesn’t have what it takes to manage my battles.)

His heavenly hosts are referred to as a great army (1 Chronicles 12:22), angels (Psalm 148:2), an innumerable company of angels (Hebrews 12:22), and the host of heaven (Nehemiah 9:6). How many angels are in a “host”? “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him…” (Daniel 7:10). And even more than that: “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11).

The hosts He commands don’t just fight. They also comfort, save, minister to, proclaim God’s Word, relate messages, give aid, watch, confront, surround, carry us, guard us, scare off the enemy, sing, rejoice, and worship.“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). In short, they do everything God’s heart is set on doing for us, all the while giving God the glory due His Name.

And to think: God commands them all—not only the heavenly hosts, but also victories, fire, all events of nature, Satan, demons, unclean spirits, nations, rulers, and even “The LORD will command His loving kindness in the daytime…” (Psalm 42:8).

One who commands must have authority—as any substitute schoolteacher will testify. Christ taught in the temple with authority and commanded unclean spirits with authority, for “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). He has been given authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). In fact, Peter tells us that Jesus “has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him” (1 Peter 3:22).

What in heaven or on earth, in the seas or skies, in nature and all of creation, among great beasts and great men and great nations, does our omnipotent God and Father, Jesus Christ, not command?

We are in awe of the way You work through Your hosts, O Lord. May we reverence You ever more for all the ways You send them to do Your will among us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.