The Angels Of The Lord
Angels are an interesting feature of the creation of the Lord. Even though we don’t know why or when He created them, we do know He considers them important.
The writer of Hebrews compared the Old Testament priests and objects of worship to Jesus. He did that because they were things familiar to his readers.
He began the book, however, by comparing angels to Jesus. Maybe because we know so little about them and we are prone to elevate them higher than we should.
Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14
According to that verse, their unique ministry revolves around those redeemed by Jesus. In other words, The Lord created angels to serve us who are also called to serve others.
Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Luke 22:26
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The fact is, according to the Word, angels have very little authority. We view them though, as having great authority because they are heavenly beings.
And because of our sinful nature, our status does rate us a little lower than the angels. But that will change in the twinkling of an eye when we receive heavenly bodies.
The writer of Hebrews said the following about future events;
And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. Hebrews 2:5
Even though we are just mortal, we will reign with Jesus.
What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:6-7
The Lord did not Include Angels in His Family
For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” God also said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” Hebrews 1:5
Every living, breathing human being has a standing invitation to become a member of God’s family. Not as a distant relative, but as a brother or sister of Jesus.
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” Hebrews 2:11-12
When Jesus came to walk on the earth, none of the heavenly beings took the role of the Son. And none of them could sit on the seat at the right hand of the Father.
And God never said to any of the angels, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” Hebrews 1:13
The Importance of the Angels of the Lord
The Bible uses the word angel over 325 times. Some of the Old Testament references refer to God Himself. Below I’ve listed just a few references from the New Testament.
- Angels announced the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:13-14
- They ministered to Jesus after Satan tempted Him. Matthew 4:11
- Jesus could have requested angels at any time for protection. Matthew 26:53
- They announced the resurrection of Jesus. John 20:11-12
- Angels sang praises around the throne of God. Revelation 5:11
- They will also play major roles in issuing end-time punishments. Revelation 9:15
- And two angels announced that Jesus would return again. Acts 1:10-11
When looking back at today’s verse, it doesn’t say that angels teach. That’s the job of the holy spirit. It doesn’t say they guide either. That is the job of the Holy Spirit as well.
God’s Spirit also came to comfort us and He ministers to us in many other ways. That verse says that God assigned angels to serve and care for saved people.
We’re not sure how they serve us because they don’t make themselves very obvious. And when Jesus spoke about children He eluded to them having guardian angels.
Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10
Angels and Us
We don’t need to fear angels nor should we worship them. Also, know that they are not available directly for our beck and call. Jesus said He would ask His Father to send them.
Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? Matthew 26:53
So be aware that the angels of the Lord are among us. Sometimes they may show up physically. But mainly in the spiritual realm. And we usually won’t know when.
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2
Lord, thank you for the ministry of angels. We don’t know how many times they have lent a hand in our times of difficulty. But we are very grateful.
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