Angels
... so they went in; but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. They stood there uncertain about this, when suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them. Full of fear, the women bowed down to the ground, as the men said to them, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has risen.” ~ LUKE 24:3-6 (GOOD NEWS FOR MODERN MAN)
Not long ago a doctor gave me a newer form of a drug I had been taking. In a few days I knew it was not for me. Rereading the medical infor- mation, I immediately saw the reason. A side effect: hallucinations. Before I could get to my doctor for direction, something happened that I’ll never forget.
I was having a miserable day. One of my daughters suggested I just go to bed. Which I did! Shortly after, in the still of the afternoon, I felt a quietness. Looking out my window, I watched the blue sky with clouds drifting by. All was serene. Then in the distance I saw four clouds that looked like the waves of the ocean. They turned brilliant colors, which dazzled my eyes. I began to hear the sounds of an organ playing hymns. Then I noticed the four clouds began to have movement like someone was behind and moving about. I thought perhaps there were angels there and they were preparing to come down to me — that they would take me with them back to heaven and I would see Jesus. The thought thrilled me, and I waited expectantly. I would go with them without a thought or regret. But they didn’t come. Suddenly the color in the clouds was gone and I was back in my bed, the sun had set, and the sky was dark. Never will I forget the feeling of waiting for the angels to come for me.
Later I was looking through some music and couldn’t believe how many songs contain references to angels. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” a song from our hymnal, caught my attention:
“I looked over Jordan and what did I see, coming for to carry me home? A band of angels coming after me, coming for to carry me home.”
After the stone was rolled in front of the tomb that held the body of Jesus, could it be that a band of angels descended to accompany the Spirit of Jesus back to the Father? Give that some thought.
Dear Jesus, as we wait expectantly for the time of our departure from earth, please be with us that we might be prepared to meet the angels you have prepared for us for our homecoming. Thank you for meeting our every need. Amen.
CAROL PHILLIPS, TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH & UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITIES, PITMAN