And the Lord said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous, that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know. - Genesis 18:20. The Lord decided to destroy Sodom for their sin's were many, and told Abraham of His plans. Abraham's nephew Lot and his family lived in the wicked city of Sodom and Gomorrah. In his concern Abraham interceded repeatedly asking God, to spare the righteous within the city - Genesis 19.
Two angels were deployed by God to destroy Sodom (Genesis 19:13), and bless Lot, forwarning, "Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the cityis punished" - Genesis 19:15. Told by the angels to flee and "not look back," Lot and his two daughters fled to the small town of Zoar. Lot's wife met her demise for looking back towards Sodom, at which time she became a pillar of salt - Genesis 19:26. God destroyed the city but remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived. Sent by God, the two angels brought both blessing and curses.
AN ANGEL IN DISQUISE?
I am reminded of the African folk tale of a tribal village were four men each had a handicap limitation. The first was blind, the second could not hear, the third lame, and the fourth man a very poor beggar. An angel in disquise was sent to the village, asking each man what he wanted most. Naturally the blind man replied, "My sight!" The deaf man wanted his hearing, the lame man wanted the use of his legs, while the beggar asked for money to feed and clothe his family.
To their surprise, the angel granted each of the four men their wish. The men, in return, thanked the stranger and vowed never to forget his kindness. Years later, the angel returned. When the man who had been blind saw him, he thought, "He's probably come back to ask for money just because he did me a little favor." When the angel asked him how he was doing, the man who had received his sight answered, "Not well; I have to do everything for myself now. Nobody will help me anymore." "Very well," replied the angel, "then you shall have your blindness back." And with that word the man became blind again.
The man who had been deaf had a similar attitude when he saw the angel. "How is it to be able to hear?" asked the angel. "Oh, it has its disadvantages," complained the man. "So many sounds get on my nerves and keep me awake at night." "Very well," replied the angel. "Then you shall have your hearing taken away from you." And the man was deaf once again!
The lame man too, was suspicious of the angel. "He probably wants me to do something for him just because he helped me a long time ago. Well, I'm too busy so I won't!" When the angel asked him how he liked using his legs, the man replied, "I can't run very fast, and at night they sometimes ache." And he suddenly found himself lame once again.
The angel then visited the man who had been a poor beggar. He now lived in a beautiful house and dressed in fine clothes. The angel knocked on the door and asked for a drink of water. Although the man didn't recognize the angel, he bestowed kindness, inviting him in and asking him to stay for dinner. "Why are you so kind?" asked the angel. "Because years ago someone helped me when I was poor, and now I show my gratitude by helping other's." "Very well," the angel replied. "You shall keep your wealth!"
HEBREWS 13:2, "BE NOT FORGETFUL TO ENTERTAIN STRANGERS, FOR THEREBY SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS UNAWARES."
People Can Be God Sent Angels Too...
Being in the ministry is at times, difficult. Other peoples problems can often become your own, as you pray for God's guidance, wisdom, and direction in search for answers to their personal trials and tribulations. The incest victim, or young woman who's in the sex industry writing for counsel and help. To the wife whose husband left her for a phone sex industry worker. The list is long, wide, and seemingly endless.
When I began "Synthia Esther Ministries" in 2007, I often told myself "If one person gets saved, or makes positive changes towards walking in light of God's word, will, and ways, it will have been worth it all." I remember receiving my first letter from a man who admitted, "Because of your website, I have changed my life. I realized I was a sex addict in need of God's love. I have re-dedicated my life to Jesus Christ and wanted to say Thank- you!" That first letter confirming the mission God has called me to do was such a blessing to my soul.
Since that time, many others have written like sentiment from around the world. I praise God for the Holy Spirit's convicting power. However, not all letters and emails I receive are as encouraging. The young girl who is a prostitute and continues to pull tricks (sex jobs) to pay her bills, the woman who aborts her baby after much prayer and counseling.
During such times I would often receive a thoughtful emailed comment from my friend Janie Rozell. Her messages of hope in God's healing and transforming power were always up-lifting and encouraging. Janie had an uncanny timing, as she seemed like a God sent Angel. Her words filled my spirit with renewed faith that "All is possible with God!" We plant seeds, but it is God who waters them within the fullness of time.
No doubt God has placed within Janie's spirit to be an encourager of hope and love sent from God above! On one of Janie's MySpace blogs she posted the beautiful message I am now sharing with you. Angels can be people too, just like you Janie!
Everyday, in the world around us, real-life angels are doing the things they do, and bringing more smiles to the world around them. Real-life angels build bridges instead of walls. They don't play hide and seek with the truth, they do what ever they can to help you.
Real-life angels understand difficulties and always give the benefit of the doubt. They don't hold others up to the standards they can't live by themselves.
Real-life angels are what "inner beauty" is all about. Real-life angels don't hold things against you; the only thing they hold...is you. They take your hand in theirs when you could use a little reassurance.
They walk beside you when you could do with a little guidance and direction in your life. And they support you in your attempts to do what is right. Real-life angels multiply your smiles and add to your integrity.
They make you feel like, "Hey, I really am somebody who matters." Then they quietly prove to you how beautiful and true that feeling really is.
If you come across an angel like this, you are one of the luckiest people of all. If someone in your life is wonderfully like an angel to you, it's important to let them know. It's the nicest compliment you could ever give in all the days of your life, and in all the years that you live.
Copyright 2009, Synthia Esther / Janie Rozell (Personal photo and blog post). All Rights Reserved.
