What’s the central Gospel message? It’s what God has done for us in Jesus. Many people think of John 3:16. But here in Hebrews, also, the writer says it powerfully: “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” (Heb 2:10). Jesus is the ‘pioneer of [our ] salvation’.
Let’s not take this lightly. Jesus offers extraordinary power. If we are in him, he promotes us higher than the angels.
So who are the angels?
Everyone has an idea of angels, even if they don’t read the Bible. Luke tells of the angel Gabriel that spoke to Mary, and the heavenly angels that sang ‘Peace on earth, goodwill to all ...’. In the Old Testament, Isaiah was confronted by six-winged angels (seraphim) hovering over God.
We think of these angels, and we are fascinated. They are amazing descriptions. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to fly, to be able to appear in a room without opening a door?
We think angels must be special. But Hebrews puts them in their place. They are just servants. They are doing what God tells them to do.
In today’s world, we may not be seriously hoping for angel powers. But we may be wishing for the energy that we once had. We may be tired and depressed. This passage is for us!
God wants us to have purpose. In fact, God has given us a purpose! In Jesus, God basically promotes us above our natural place.
Hebrews quotes Psalm 8. We were placed a little below the angels. That, for a start, is a position of privilege. Of privilege and duty, as we must care for God’s creation.
But here in Hebrews, we learn that angels are just servants. And often – it’s just to serve as messengers of God to human beings!
We might be impressed by angels, but it’s important to remember that they are just humble servants, doing their job – even if they look spectacular.
Do you know people like that? Maybe on-fire Christians, who are full of energy to build the Kingdom of God? Maybe we can think of them as modern-day angels.
Sometimes churches grab people like that and try to keep them. They might be a preacher, or a special deacon, or an administrator, or a musician. Of course, the church should be grateful for such people. But it’s a mistake to worship their gifts. They are not Christ.
We should thank such people when it’s time for them to move on. They will do good for Christ’s kingdom in another place. If we are wise, we will not spend our time admiring their gifts, but in remembering who gifted them.
God has gifted us. We are thankful for modern-day angels. They’re the people who are God’s messengers, carrying Christ’s light because they are connected to him.
Our job is to hear that message. After that, the angel has done the job. We don’t relate to God through angels. We look instead to Jesus.
Jesus calls us family. We’ve been promoted above the angels! Our task is to take our role in this seriously. Don’t run after angels: be part of the message yourself!
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