Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Heb 13:2) Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
Angels are a big Bible subject and we have paid a brief visit. But angels must always be seen in their relationship to Jesus. The writer of Hebrews does it best. God, who at sundry times and in divers (various) manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Heb 1:1-2)
God created angels with great power and with great assignments to carry out His will. But, angels had no part in creation. Angels shed no blood to redeem us from our sins. Angels will not rule God’s kingdom and have not been appointed to the role of heirs. Jesus did not die for the sins of the angels that rebelled with Satan. Angels watch as God’s plan for the human race unfolds and serve as God’s assistants when needed. They continue in that role today. The writer of Hebrews finds it necessary to make a comparison of angels to the Son of God.
Who (Jesus) being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Heb 1:3-4)
To illustrate the exalted place of the Son of God above angels, we are told that Jesus, by Himself purged our sins from us so that we are left endowed with His righteousness, as though we had never sinned. We are not endowed with innocence, as were Adam and Eve, but with righteousness. The angels have never enjoyed the place of sons in their relationship to their Creator. Moreover, they are to worship the Son of God who is above them.
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (Heb 1:5-6)
“This is a quotation from Psa_104:4. The writer of Hebrews, who I believe is Paul, is showing that Christ is superior to the angels, and He is using the Old Testament Scriptures to prove it. Can you see how absolutely important the first two chapters of Hebrews are? They put down a foundation for the rest of the book which deals with the present ministry of Christ for believers today.
“It is easy to understand that angels were very important to the Hebrews because most of them were well acquainted with the Old Testament. They thought of angels as next to the very throne of God. They had read of the appearance of angels to many of God's servants and to many of the prophets. Angels were very important beings to them.”
“Well, human beings never become angels. I think it would really surprise us if we had any conception of the number of angels in the universe. They are called the "host of heaven," and that means there are a whole lot of them. Their numbers apparently are not diminished or added to in any way, but we have no idea how many angels there are. They have an important part in God's plan, but Christ is superior to the angels.” (McGee)(Condensed)
I was asked recently if angels have wings. They appeared as human beings and we have no wings. Angels traveled far and fast and did not need wings for that. In the Old Testament, there were angelic figures in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and Temple. They stood over the Ark of the Covenant with their wings touching and reaching to the outer walls; a span of 30’.
Ezekiel saw creatures with wings but they were not angels. At times, angels may have had wings but the accounts of their appearance do not mention wings. We must give them their due: they are spirits and ministers who can go about as a flame of fire. By contrast, Jesus is pictured sitting upon a throne in majesty.
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Heb 1:7-10) (Jesus was co-creator with God His Father.)
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Heb 1:13-14) Jesus is the sovereign God. Angels are His servants. Ω
Read Through the Bible in a Year
MARCH 31, 2017 – FRIDAY
A.M. Judges 3-5 P.M. Luke: 7:31-50
(Bible Gateway will read this to you if you like. Look for the speaker icon.)
Memory Verse This Month:
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psa 19:14)
Song for Today:
The Hills of Heaven Call Me (5:49) – (Gaither Group)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXrL-Z44KHc&list=RDP23u1hjkhxI&index=15
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