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.
Check out these other posts about angels of the Lord
- Angels Announced Good News Of Great Joy To The World
- The Story Of Gideon And The Angel
- The Angels Of The Lord
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Hi Robin,
In 1978 – a long time ago! – along with about 5000 Christian’s at a bible week in the UK the worship quietened. The presence of God settled on the congregation and for a few minutes maybe four or five angelic voices sang in unison. There are no earthly words to describe its beauty. Think of the best choir and multiply it’s effect an infinite number of times. I tell this story as it was witnessed by thousands, not just a few of us. The experience did not shake us from the focus of our worship to God, but everyone there had a brief glimpse of the glory that is as real as any physical object. Your article is well written and accurately interprets scripture. But when you’ve had an encounter like that there is a knowing that goes beyond what the mind can deduce from the words of scripture. We shouldn’t seek ‘experiences’, it’s fruitless anyway, but angels, and the supernatural realm of God’s glory is written into virtually every book in the bible. The dividing line is whether we have, in our hearts, ruled out the normality of the bible I.e. although these things are ‘possible’ we don’t really incorporate them in our Christian walk or teaching. For me the account in Acts of the angel leading Peter out of prison is so true to life…the praying church barely able to come to terms with the reality of his testimony even though they had been praying for his deliverance. Anyway, thank you for taking time to share your study on angels & May God bless you and your church abundantly.
Hi John, Praise the Lord and thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve heard of other similar instances like yours. These are occasions that help us focus more on Jesus as we look forward to spending eternity with Him.
It’s hard to imagine. One pandemic & everyone talked about a new normal. The new normal we sometimes have glimpses of is…indescribable. Eternity in this new normal…beyond our vocabulary. Meanwhile just as hard is to believe the glory of Christ is already in earthen vessels, but that’s what it says…experiences of angels or not. Every blessing.