WHAT ARE ANGELS?

This is certainly not intended to demean angels. It is intended to exalt the Son! Jesus has not been exalted at the expense of angels. The holy angels have lost nothing with the Father's accentuation of the Son. They have not been lowered or made to occupy a lesser position. None of their ministry has been taken from them! If anything, the ministry of angels has been enhanced by the "day of salvation." The reigning Christ enlarges all that is under Him. Everything and every one aligned with Jesus is exalted, improved, and enlarged.

In order to draw a proper comparison between Jesus and angels, it is essential that we first review some of the remarkable ministrations of the angelic order. This will be concise, yet is designed to impress us with the greatness of this elect body of spirits.

The book of Job informs us of the presence of angels at the creation (Job 38:7). "The Cherubim," members of this holy body, was responsible for making the tree of life inaccessible to humanity (Gen 3:24). Jude reminds us that angels were involved in the curse of the flood (Jude 14-15). An angel directed Hagar, after she had been expelled from Abraham's house (Gen 16:7-10; 21:17). Angels were sent to destroy Sodom, Gomorrah, and the cities of the plain (Gen 19:1,15). It was an angel that called out to Abraham as he raised the knife to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:11,15). The angels of God met Jacob as he went on his way (Gen 32:1). It was an angel that appeared to Moses in a flaming bush (Ex 3:2). Another angel led Israel out of Egypt, and protected them from the Egyptians (Ex 14:19; Num 20:16). The Law was given by the disposition of angels, and is called a word spoken by angels (Acts 7:53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2). Angels led Israel after they had received the Law (Ex 23:20,23; 32:34; 33:2). An angel touched the discouraged prophet Elijah while he lamented under a juniper tree--and even prepared a meal for him (1 Kgs 19:5-7). Angels were used to chasten the people of Israel (1 Chron 21:12-30). A single angel cutoff the mighty men of valor of the King of Assyria (2 Chron 32:21). An angel delivered Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednigo from the fiery furnace (Dan 3:28). Another shut the mouths of the lions, in the den into which Daniel was cast (Dan 6:22). An angel talked extensively with the prophet Zechariah, showing him the relevance of visions given to him (Zech 1:9ff).

When we speak of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, being greater than angels, we are saything something! Compared to mankind, angels are awesome beings, striking fear into the hearts of those who knowingly confronted them. They are, however, all subordinate to Christ, Who is great than they, both individually and collectively. The Son of God is worthy of our honor!

-- MORE ON THIS TOMORROW --