I don’t know about you, but I have always had a fascination with angels. In the Bible, we’ve seen them appear with messages from God–think of the angel who told Mary she was going to give birth to God’s son, for example. They sing praise–think of Jesus’ birth that night in Bethlehem. In our world, we hear stories of people who say they have encountered an angel. Later in the book of Hebrews is the familiar passage about entertaining angels unaware (look for that in Chapter 13).
Here, the writer is quick to distinguish a hierarchy between angels and God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The focus on Christ’s superiority continues, and the writer uses Scripture to speak of Jesus’ identity and Lordship. Jesus is Lord, and there is nothing or nobody greater than him. Angels have an audience with God, but their authority and power is not equal to Jesus.
You’ll notice the author uses passages from Deuteronomy and Psalms for clarification. How beautifully these prophecies and words of the Old Testament point to Jesus. Had you seen the connection before? We will see this throughout the book of Hebrews.
Because Hebrews was written, in particular, to Jewish Christians familiar with the writings of the Old Testament, those are the examples we will see. It will be a little harder for us to follow because we have likely focused on New Testament promises, the new covenant. But, how magnificent is it to see how masterfully Scripture has laid out the whole story, our story, from the very beginning.
Have you ever experienced an angelic encounter? Just last evening, our youngest daughter called in a bit of distress. She had a flat tire and was lamenting a life lesson we had never shown her was changing a tire. As a parent, you want to rush to help, but she lives in the U.S. and we live in Mexico. So a prayer went up. And even as David and I were explaining to her the process of getting the spare out with the jack, etc., a young man approached her and asked to help. She was at a convenience store, and it was daylight. God sent an angel.
Now, that man, bless his soul, was not a heavenly being, but God was using him at that moment. Was he an angel? Our text says that angels “are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.” This man was truly a servant and he was caring for our daughter. For that, I am grateful. Even if he isn’t a “true” angel, he was a servant who cared.
This idea of being sent to serve and care is appealing to me. I feel like God has sent me to this place to serve and care for others. It’s what gets me up out of bed every morning. I ask, “How is God going to use me today?” then I wait, expectantly, for my assignment. When I don’t feel properly equipped, I know God is right there with me. I’m getting better and better at trusting him to lead.
How about you? Have you been someone’s angel today?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for your guidance and love. Thank you for the individuals you have sent into my life to help me see you more clearly. Use me this day to make a difference for someone else. I celebrate you and your greatness. Your throne will endure forever. May everything I say and do this day be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
