What do we know about angels?

There’s a lot out there about angels. Some of it is cut from whole cloth. Some of it is awesome and helpful. We know they are major players in the story of man, and as such they show up throughout the Old and New Testaments liberally.

Three verses in this first chapter give us some insight into their mission in our lives.

So get your gleaning gloves on and let’s get out there and grab a few handfuls.

And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.” And of the angels He says, “WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.” – Hebrews 1:6-7

I said yesterday one of the old texts translated angels from the Hebrew elohim. But the Greek transliterates to angelos. Most often it’s translated angels and carries the meaning messenger.

When you think about angels, what do you think of?

Ok – I’m not even going to suggest those chubby cherubs that litter every craft shop. They may make nice decorations, but they have no relation to anything real.

But what do you picture?

I know I see angels in my mind’s eye around the throne, like psychedelic warning beacons crying out Holy Holy Holy, is the Lord of hosts.

I think of angels holding the lion’s mouth closed while Daniel sleeps the sleep of the blessed in their living room.

I think of angels sent from the throne of God to blind the army surrounding Elisha. I think of Gabriel coming to Zachariah, Joseph, and Mary to lay down the groundwork for the incarnation. He comes back a few years later to let the Magi know of Herod’s evil scheming.

I see them coming alongside the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane and encouraging Him as He faced His worst night.

But in all these cases, I see them coming to and from the throne room doing the bidding of the Lord.

Let ’s pull in one more verse today from further on down the page.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? – Hebrews 1:14

Did you get that? We can pick up a lot about angels in this text. Their primary mission is to offer service for us.

Check this out,

Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! – Psalm 103:20

These mighty servants of God minister to us in obedience to His word.

When God sends them—they go and do His will.

But wait—there’s more.

When we speak the Word of God—they go and do our (His) will.

John tells us that Jesus only did what He saw the Father do, and only said what He heard the Father say.

If we will walk like this–speaking what we hear the Father say–taking huge risks and obeying as if we really trust Him–the angels will move at our words. When our words are His words–when our will is His will–all the resources of heaven are at our disposal.

Big, no impossible things don’t seem nearly as daunting when you realize God’s mighty army of angels is backing your mission and ministry.

God tasks these wind walking fire bringing messengers with assisting us as we carry out His will.

Kind of stirs up courage doesn’t it? Risks don’t seem so much like risks when God’s backing us with His heavenly hosts.

There remains one thing for us to do. Quiet ourselves to the point we can hear Him.

Thanks for coming by.

Ssssshhhhhhhh… (listen today,)

Ben

If you missed any of the series, you can grab them here.