Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)
Sometimes physics seems as mysterious as theology. Since I studied at university, we’ve become aware that the huge majority of the physical universe is completely invisible to us. Dark matter only interacts with the matter and energy we see by the force of gravity. That’s one reason why the recent detection of the gravity waves predicted by Einstein is so important; they may give us a way to study what we can’t otherwise see. Then there’s the even stranger dark energy.
Perhaps there’s a parallel in the spiritual universe. We’re aware of our relationship with God and with other people, and at second hand with other people’s relationship with God. But Zechariah gives us a glimpse into the hidden spiritual reality which is the life and work of the angels around us. It’s hard to be sure how literally to take all the references to angels in detail, but they’re clearly part of his vision of the world and God’s work in it.
If we’re only ever aware of a small part of the spiritual reality around, what are we missing?
And what do the angels who walk beside me think of the life that I live?
Thoughts and prayers from South Manchester
Nick Watson 