Tateguru (Jaison Ndlovu)

  The concept of guardian angels is a fascinating topic that has captured the imagination of many. As we delve into this subject, let us approach it with simplicity and clarity, just as the Bible intends. The scriptures were written to be accessible to all, regardless of educational background or social status. The apostles Peter and John, though unschooled, wrote in straightforward language, making the message of God's love and redemption available to everyone. In the book of Daniel, we find a unique narrative that sheds light on the role of guardian angels. Daniel, a learned man and scientist, prayed incessantly for 21 days, seeking answers from God. The archangel Gabriel finally appeared, explaining that he had been delayed by opposing angels, or princes, over enemy nations. This passage reveals that guardian angels are tasked with overseeing nations and individuals, much like Michael, who was responsible for watching over the Israelites. The Bible does not portray these opposi...

Book of Enoch , an ancient Jewish religious work, corroborates the biblical account of giants in Genesis 6:2-4. However, some critics argue that the Book of Enoch's credibility is compromised by its seemingly exaggerated descriptions of these giants. Specifically, 1 Enoch 7:2 describes the giants as being three thousand ells tall, which is equivalent to approximately 300 cubits or 135-150 meters (443-492 feet). This extraordinary height has led many scholars to interpret the description as metaphorical or mythical, rather than literal. The context of the passage suggests that the giants' size and strength are emphasized to convey their fearsome nature and dominance over humans. This literary device is similar to the exaggeration used by the ten spies in Numbers 13:33, who described themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants they encountered. The giants in the Book of Enoch might symbolize powerful forces or supernatural entities, rather than human-like beings. The descri...

From the outset , God has utilized angels in human form and with human voices to communicate with humanity, as seen in various angelic appearances throughout Scripture. Notably, the appearances of the angel of the Lord, who held a special redemptive relationship with God's people, demonstrate a divine method of self-revelation that ultimately culminated in the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. This divine method of self-revelation through angelic appearances highlights God's desire to engage with humanity in a tangible and personal manner. By taking on human form and speaking in human language, angels have facilitated communication between God and humanity, bridging the divine-human gap. The angel of the Lord, in particular, holds a unique position in this context. With a special redemptive relationship with God's people, this angelic being has been instrumental in orchestrating key events in human history, from the call of Abraham to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt....

In the biblical account , Moses, a revered leader and prophet, had a unique encounter with God. While Moses did not see God's face, he was privileged to witness a glimpse of God's back as He passed by (Exodus 33:20-23). This extraordinary event highlights the mystery surrounding God's nature and how He interacts with humanity. The question arises: Who were all the people claiming to have talked to God actually communicating with? The Bible states that God spoke to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33:11), yet Moses never saw God's face. This seeming paradox suggests that the encounter was not a physical, visual one, but rather a spiritual and intimate connection. This phenomenon can be understood in various ways: - God's essence is beyond human comprehension, and His "face" represents His divine nature, which cannot be seen or fully grasped by mortal humans. - The "face-to-face" encounter symbolizes a deep, per...

The Book of Enoch is not part of the canonical Hebrew Bible but is regarded as significant in Divine Encounters: The Son of Man Divine Encounters: The Son of Man Across Biblical and Apocalyptic Texts  Across Biblical and Apocalyptic Texts  the study of Second Temple Judaism Divine Encounters: The Son of Man Across Biblical and Apocalyptic Texts  and its literature. It has influenced Christian eschatology and Christology, particularly the identification of Jesus with the "Son of Man" figure in the New Testament.  The "Son of Man" is a central figure in the "Parables of Enoch", and these descriptions align with the text's portrayal of this figure. Enoch 46:2 describes the "Son of Man" accompanying the "Ancient of Days," which is a term used for God, particularly in the context of divine judgment. Enoch 48:4 refers to the "Son of Man" as a light to the nations, and Enoch 48:1 uses the imagery of a shepherd and a fountain of ...

It's noteworthy that the Apostles rarely referred to Jesus as the Son of Man. Instead, it was Jesus Himself who frequently used this title to describe His identity (Matthew 8:20, Luke 19:10). This distinction is crucial, as the title Son of Man carries a specific significance. In John 1:51, Jesus declares that angels will ascend and descend upon the Son of Man, emphasizing His unique role as the bridge between Heaven and earth. This title, Son of Man, is distinct from Son of God, although both refer to Jesus. The Son of Man represents Jesus' humanity and His role as the representative of humanity, whereas the Son of God signifies His divinity. This dichotomy is reminiscent of Jacob's words in Genesis 49:1-2, where he addresses his sons as the sons of Jacob, the supplanter, yet refers to himself as Israel, the one who wrestled with God and humanity. Similarly, Jesus, as the Son of Man and Son of God, embodies both human and divine aspects, united in one body yet distinct in...

Let's consider 1 Corinthians 6:3, which states, "Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!"  While this verse is often interpreted as believers judging or ruling over angels in a future heavenly context, its exact meaning and scope are debated among scholars and theologians.  However, for those who believe humans were created for a special purpose, this scripture is not puzzling. Judging angels is seen as part of God's intention when creating humans in His image and after His likeness (Genesis 1:26).  The question arises: why did God create humans both "in His image" and "after His likeness"? The answer lies in God's dual purposes: one related to being created in His image, and another embodied in being created after His likeness. These phrases are not redundant but reveal distinct aspects of God's plan for humanity.  While understanding the intricacies of God's plan may not be fully grasped, wha...

 " Unraveling the Intent : Understanding the Purpose of Paul's Letters " In the book "Inheritors of Antiquity", the Jaison Ndlovu emphasizes the importance of understanding letters as a means of communication, whether one-way or two-way. He uses the example of Paul's letters to churches, which were written with clear instructions on how to live a Christian life and how to manage church affairs. The author argues that if a letter is not understood by the recipient, the fault lies with the writer, not the reader. He references 2 Peter 3:16, where Peter acknowledges that some of Paul's writings are difficult to understand. However, the author also points out that Paul had previously rebuked Peter for his double standards in Acts 10-11, where Peter initially refused to eat with Gentiles but later understood the vision of the sheet with animals, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles in the gospel. This incident highlights Peter's initial limited understan...