What can we learn from the example of the righteous angels mentioned at 2 Peter 2:9-11?
(2 Peter 2:9-11) . . .Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off, 10 especially, however, those who go on after flesh with the desire to defile [it] and who look down on lordship. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble at glorious ones but speak abusively, 11 whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, [not doing so] out of respect for Jehovah.
More Questions From This User See All
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
We learn though they are greater in power than any human or group of humans, they do not overstep and take it upon themselves to punish puny humans for disrespecting Jehovah. Instead, they wait on Jehovah to issue his orders at his proper time.
They also act on Jehovah's orders to rescue people from trials or bring to judgment those deserving it.
We can learn from them in also learning to wait on Jehovah. Recognizing he does not operate from any human timetable, but only from his own perfect schedule. No doubt some of the angels were friends of Jesus when he was in heaven at the time he was about to die. Jesus prayed 3 times at least for not needing to go through with this torture and death. His over riding concern was to uphold Jehovah's honor regardless of any personal harm he faced. Friends always desire to save friends from harm. It was probably tempting to them to help their friend from this horrible death. Yet they kept perspective and obeyed Jehovah.
In the same way, we might be faced with times when we will be faced with personal discomfort, even torture, for the honor of Jehovah we accept it with ---maybe not joy, but head up determination to keep honor to Jehovah's name.
Well it should teach us that those whom Jehovah has appointed to take the lead among us in the congregation should not be spoken abusively of when things are not done the way WE think they should be done. We should stand down, stay in our place and work along with our brothers as they are
keeping watch over our souls having full confidence that Jehovah will straighten everything out and set matters straight. Heb 13:17; Prov 3:5-6.
In reproving those who “speak abusively” of Jehovah’s anointed servants, the apostle Peter points to the fine example of the righteous angels. Although they have great power, the angels humbly refrain from making judgmental accusations “out of respect for Jehovah.” (Read 2Â Peter 2:9-11.)
Knowing that God is fully aware of everyone’s wrongdoing and is fully capable of correcting matters, the angels keep their lips in check. Michael, the chief of all angels, refrained from using abusive terms, even against the Devil.—Jude 9.
Christians strive to imitate the angels. They follow the Bible admonition: “Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.’”—Romans 12:17-19.
Interestingly, even the tone and volume of our voice can add a hurtful edge to what we say. Let us also keep free from improper judging, respect those entrusted with oversight in the congregation, and leave matters in the hands of Jehovah, the Supreme Judge.—Rom. 12:18, 19; Heb. 13:17.
The Bible also says that “a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all.”—2Â Timothy 2:24.
We can learn to fear the Lord instead of going against his ways. But we as humans can have a greater relationship with the Lord because we were made in His image and are the bride.
That vengeance belongs to Jehovah.
He will settle all affairs with those who have an accounting with him.