An Angel of Another Color

Proverbs 17:11 (KJV) An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

It is interesting the use of the word “messenger” here. The actual Hebrew word is usually translated as “angel.”  I know an angel is a messenger, one sent on assignment for a superior.  The quality of the angel is in the adjective and in the assignment.  Here the adjective is “cruel”.  I would assume that God has many angels to pick from.  I don’t know if they have personalities or whether they are assigned an attitude de jour.

Who is this angel?  Someone with an attitude that enjoys inflicting punishment?  Was he assigned the task and told this is the way you will behave?  We don’t know.  What we do know is that he had an assignment to go against the rebel.

At Christmas time we see angels in other roles.  They appear to Mary and to Joseph.  They made the announcement to the shepherds in the field.  I don’t know about you, but if I were an angel, I would prefer those tasks.

So?  Try to pick what kind of messenger you’re going to be.  God may choose you to be one who is tasked to deliver a stern warning to someone or a rebuke.  We know we would rather be the one bringing the Christmas presents but our job is to be obedient to our calling.