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Do We Turn Into Angels In Heaven?
Christian thoughts on every day parenting.
by Donna Shepherd
All materials copyrighted
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After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.
- Revelation 18:1 nkjv
A few nights ago, I watched the sweetest children’s movie about a little girl whose mother had died, and because her father needed to go
away, the girl ended up in boarding school. A fellow schoolmate, who had also lost her mother, asked the little girl where mothers go
when they die. The girl gave a lovely speech about how her mother had gone to heaven to become an angel. She assured her new friend that
all mothers turn into angels when they die, and come back when needed to help their children.
It’s a lovely sentiment, isn’t it? But only partly true. Angels aren’t human beings who’ve transformed. They aren’t moms. It is true
that angels protect and watch over us, but most often, the angels carry the role of messengers. For example, an angel named Gabriel
visited Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Angels don’t lie around heaven playing harps, or have to earn their wings. God created them with as many as six wings. They can be
visible or invisible. They have feelings and emotions. “Jesus said, "In the same way God's angels are happy when even one person turns
to him" (Luke 15:10 cev). Just think, when your child accepts Jesus as his Savior and Lord, you can tell him angels rejoice around the
throne in heaven.
I like and collect angel figurines. Many of my figurines are beautiful, delicate women with long, flowing robes and flowers in their
hair. I have a few who look like cute, cuddly cherubs with chubby bodies and innocent faces. The Bible never mentions childlike angelic
beings, nor does it describe angels as frail. Much more often, angels are described as warriors having great strength and tremendous
power to do the Lord’s bidding. Angels are not at our disposal. They do as God directs. We pray to God, not angels.
As parents, we can only do so much to protect our children. As they grow, they spend more and more time away from us, and our watchful
eyes. Isn’t it wonderful to know that God has created angels who watch over our children? We have this assurance from Jesus Himself in
Matthew 18:10:
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father
in heaven.”
A child might ask, “Is Jesus an angel?” The answer would be an emphatic, “No.” Hebrews 1:6 says, “And again, when God brings his
firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Jesus is God’s Son, and the angels worship Him.
When we die, we will exchange our corruptible bodies for incorruptible ones, but we will remain human beings saved by God’s grace.
I may have my share of sweet angelic figurines, but I know that God has created beings capable of great deeds, that protect us, minister
to us, and fight battles for our benefit. My favorite depiction of an angel rests over a doorway in my foyer – a mighty and powerful
figure. That’s my guardian angel!
BUSY Parents Tip
After sharing these facts about angels, ask your children to describe or draw a picture of what they think an angel looks like. I’m sure
they will come up with something that looks a lot more like a bodybuilder than a baby!
About The Author:
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land
and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms.
From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with
daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.
Information provided in this column is for entertainment purposes only.
The information in this column is not meant to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice.
Read legal disclaimer.
* This column is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This column may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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