Hebrews 1 ended by informing us that angels are in subjection to Christ because God commanded them to be. We also are made aware that angels are ministering spirits to those of us who are in God through Christ. Throughout time, the appeal of angels has intrigued mankind. Movies, sitcoms, and novels have featured these divine creatures because there is a certain air of mysticism and awe surrounding the concept of angels.
We are fascinated by angels, and rightly so. They are heavenly beings with dynamic spiritual abilities. However, when fascination turns into worship, we are in error. Today, there are many people who are more enamored with angels than they are with the Lord. There are some who seek the counsel of angels above the guidance of God. Yet, there is nothing new under the sun. Angel worship was addressed in Colossians 2:18 and even John, the author of Revelation, incorrectly worshiped an angel while in its presence.
When John worshiped the angel, the angel said, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book.” (Revelation 22:9). The fact that John worshiped the angel as a man of God highlights the massive divinity of angels. They are much more otherworldly than anything we are accustomed to and deliver messages to mankind straight from the mouth of God; therefore, they leave us in amazement. In the case of the Prophet Daniel, the sight and words of an angel left him so weakened that he fell face forward on the ground into a deep sleep.
And yet, Hebrews confirms that the angels, as magnificent as they may be, are in subjection to Jesus. Hebrews 2 informs us that if God’s word spoken through angels was reliable, then how much more unwavering is God’s word communicated through Christ? Hebrews 2:2-3 reads, “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him …?
The word given from Christ exceeds messages given by angels—not because angels’ messages are not true, but because Christ has greater authority. In essence, what’s better? Receiving a message straight from the boss or from the boss’s assistant? Although it may be the same message, the message from the boss holds more weight.
And so, just as people have believed the messages of angels throughout time, we are called to believe the message of Christ even more. Christ’s message was and still is, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 4:17). The Hebrew writer reminds us that Christ is the center of all things. All things were created for Him and by Him, including angels. Angels were created by Christ and for Christ’s purpose, which is to “bring many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). Christ created angels to protect us, minister to us, and ultimately to steer us into the salvation and glory of God.
Christ also purposed to suffer, die, and defeat death for our good. Hebrews 2:14 tells us that Satan, who we know to be a corrupt dark angel, possessed the power of death. This is another example of the spiritual power of angels. The fact that Satan had the power of death in his hands before Christ destroyed it shows that angels are powerful, supernatural beings with more authority than we could ever have outside of Christ.
But for those who are in Christ, we have the privilege of having these supernatural powerful beings on our side. In fact, verse sixteen tells us, “For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham”. The angels are here to benefit and minister to those who are in Christ. The command is given from heaven as to when these beings will or will not involve themselves in earthly matters. It is unnecessary and beneath us to ask angels for help when we can ask the Lord of the angels for help—the same Lord who became temporarily lower than the angels so that we might be saved.
Christ lowered Himself beneath the angels not only for our salvation, but also so that He can be a compassionate and considerate intercessor. Hebrews 2:18, the last verse of this chapter, states, “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Have you ever seen a friend or loved one of a cancer patient shave their head in support of the one who is sick? They do this to show support … to show empathy. To communicate to their loved one that they are in the fight with them.
This is a lower-level example of what Christ did for us. He did much more than shave His head in support of us. He became beneath His creations, lived, and died, to communicate His love, empathy, and support of us. If our Lord has lived the human experience, it proves to us that He understands the woes of living in the flesh because He did too. Christ becoming man shows us that we are not alone. He’s in the fight with us and understands what it’s like to endure the troubles of this world, especially as someone who is striving to please God.
Angels have not done anything of the sort. Angels have not lowered themselves for us, nor were they charged to do so. That charge was laid upon Jesus by God the Father. And Jesus humbly submitted to that charge for our salvation. After completing His mission, Christ was once again exalted above the angels as He was from the beginning. And if we complete our mission just as Christ completed His, we will be exalted alongside Him. In fact, 1 Corinthians 6:3 tells us that we will judge angels someday. That’s certainly an example of how exalted those who humble themselves under Christ will be one day.
I encourage you to read Hebrews 2, and to study its contents for wisdom and understanding. The subject of angels is intriguing and, indeed, they are mighty creations. Yet, they are just that—creations made to serve their Lord, just as we are. Be encouraged knowing that the Lord saw fit to command them to help us in our earthly walk, but let’s not make the mistake of exalting them beyond their position. Let us seek guidance from the right being and worship the right being, who is Jesus Christ, Lord of the Angels.
As always, it’s been a pleasure writing to you. May God bless you and keep you. Until next time, take care.
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