You Asked It

Regarding Angels

1. At what point do angels begin to work in the life of a saint?
2. Do angels actually pose as men today and interact with the saints?

J.R. Canada

1. Angels undoubedly begin working in respect to the chosen of God before they are actually conceived.

That certainly is the pattern with Isaac, Jacob and the patriarchs, as their births were timed to circumstances in the lives of their parents. The same is true of Samuel and John the Baptist.

David declares, “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psa. 139:16). This speaks of foreknowledge; active divine intervention is suggested in the words, “By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels” (Psa. 71:6). David was born into a family and at a time suitable to God’s purpose, and he received angelic care from the very beginning.

David’s circumstances are not unique, for of all the redeemed it is said “he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). Based on scripture precedents, God not only watches over the chosen from the time of their birth, but even before it, so as to control the circum­stances into which they are born.

This, of course, is only reasonable, for the timing of one’s birth and one’s early environment greatly affects the development of the personality. And in early childhood, angelic care is requisite to preserve the chosen of God to adulthood.

2. We can think of no Bible incident of angelic appearance where a faithful person involved does not eventually know he has been visited by an angel. He may not know this at the beginning of the encounter, as when Abraham entertained visitors not knowing at first that they were angels (Gen. 18:2) or Samson’s mother was unsure from whence had come the messenger of God (Jdg. 13:6). But eventually he becomes aware of the true nature of his experience.

Of course, direct angelic visitation is only one means of divine activity in our lives. For example, in the life of David, God also worked through Jonathan, the Philistines, Barzillai, etc.

Further comments on this question would be appreciated.

The Disciple as a Boss

In the March Tidings, a question was posed regarding union membership and you stressed in your answer the obligation of employees. But what of employers? In a day when there seems to be a merciless pursuit of profit, what obligation do employers or managers have to those working for them. Granted a company cannot become non-competitive, but some of the cutbacks today seem without any regard to human considerations. Cf., USA

Equity

The principal scripture most often associated with business dealings is equity — a just balance. While many forms of discrimination are ruled out by secular laws, favoritism is still widely practiced by managers and employers. In big companies, it is known as company politics — promotions and raises going to those who have ingratiated themselves to a particular manager or executive. In small companies, it is often assumed that relatives of the owner will be given preferential treatment irrespective of their qualifications.

The disciple of Christ should be noted for his fairness with all working for him; the employee should be confident he will be judged according to his job performance and abilities.

Compassion

Consideration (compassion) is also mentioned in regard to business matters — returning a cloak given to secure a loan. Again laws affect how we can exercise this principle. Workman’s compensation and sickness and accident insurance cover some cases where otherwise compassion would be required. The employer can still exercise consideration, however, by facilitating payments under coverage plans.

Compassion is also involved in working with special problems of illness, injury or family circumstances. Of course, fairness requires all employees have access to the same considerate treatment.

Layoffs can be, and are, often handled to minimize distress. In regard to compassion, a disciple employer is sometimes trapped between his wish and reality. If he is as generous as he would like, the company will be run out of business and all will be out of work.

Faith

In the life of God’s servants, faith also plays a part in commercial activity — loan generously to the needy, trusting God will provide for His servants. Exercising this attribute means one will take reasonable risks for the welfare of others. Business is a risk-taking venture, but most take the risks for their own profit; the disciple will take them out of concern for his employees. For example, he may keep some employed while he bids on a contract rather than laying off and hiring back trusting for this the Lord will bless him.

These principles often ignored

Fairness, consideration and faith are clearly ignored in many situations today where thousands of employees are discharged while those who discharge them are paid huge bonuses. And the grossly high compensations paid top executives, brokers, agents, entertainers, etc. is clearly a black mark against this society and a glaring symptom of the last days when “people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant…profligates…reckless, swollen with conceit., lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (II Tim. 3:2-4 NRSV).

Continual service to God

The servant of God is always a servant of God in all situations, at all times. He does not exercise patience, temperance, forgiveness, hope, love, etc. at meeting and walk in impatience, excess, hatred, bitterness, hostility, etc. at work; he is consistent in his godliness. By consistently manifesting the character attributes of the Lord, we will ensure our right reaction to circumstances faced in the commercial sphere.

Where’s India and China in prophecy?

The Far East has emerged as a great economic bloc. Hong Kong and Taiwan may soon gain world attention. As we search the scriptures for signs of Christ’s return, where do we find any prophecies which include one-fourth of Earth’s people? R.S., Canada

If any know of relevant prophecies, we would appreciate the information. Our present opinion is that there are no prophecies directly relating to those areas where there are few, if any, believers.

Since the Bible is written for the people of God, the prophecies would understandably center on those areas where believers are located. After all, it is God’s people who are reading His word and who are encouraged as they see God’s hand at work. Accordingly, we have not thought it strange that prophecy concentrates on selected parts of the world.