THE ROLE OF ANGELS
But to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?  
(Hebrews 1:13-14, NRSV  )
          
Devotion 1 of 11
INTRODUCTION

PROMINENT IN HUMAN AFFAIRS
     The "angels of God" play a prominent role in the activities of humanity. They are an unseen enumerable host , faithful to their God. Their exclusive activity is doing the will of the Lord.  The phrase "angels of God" is an intriguing one. It not only indicates a significant number, but their commitment to doing the will of God. The "elect angels" never operate independently. They never seek their own will, compete against God, or resist His good pleasure. They are thus called the "holy angels" and "the elect angels" (Mark 8:38; 1 Tim 5:21).

     The Psalmist spoke to angels, admonishing them to bless the Lord. "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.  Bless ye the LORD, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do his pleasure" (Psa 103:20-21). Again, it is written, "Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts" (Psa 148:2). This indicates that they have a will, and are devoted to the execution of the will of the Lord. They "excel in strength" above frail humanity, yet dedicate that strength to doing God's
pleasure--a noble example for us all!

Ministers for the heirs of salvation!
     We are specifically told the role of angels in the divine economy. As great as angels are, when compared to the Lord Jesus Christ they are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb 1:13-14). While their ministry often includes authority and stewardship (Rev 14:18; 16:8; 18:1), they always operate under the Headship of the exalted Christ. When God brought "the Firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him" (Heb 1:6). It is as though the ministry of angels is brought to its apex in Christ: "sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."  It can be affirmed that this is the reason for their existence, for they are never mentioned apart from the context of humanity. The appointed destiny of angels immediately relates to the "heirs of salvation" -- those who are in Christ Jesus. All of their mighty deeds prior to Jesus were but introductory to their primary work; ministering to the heirs of salvation. 

Salvation's greatness accentuated
     Too long the church has suffered from restricted views of its salvation. Its self-conceived programs and methodologies have dimmed the greatness of redemption. The result has been neglect of the "great salvation," which thrusts one into a state of condemnation. With sober tones the Spirit queries, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation . . . ?" (Heb 2:3). To ask the question is to answer it. There will be no escape for those so despising the abundant and free gift of salvation! 

     The consideration of the "angels of God" accentuates the greatness of our salvation! Here is an enumerable company of mighty messengers whose purpose it is to serve the saints! A vast number of personalities, characterized by wisdom and strength, devoted to assisting the "heirs" to appropriate their salvation! With swiftness and dispatch, they execute the will of the Lord in these matters. They do not work on long-range strategies, but deal with issues of the moment. They can alter circumstances and direct our path. They can strengthen in ways
transcendent to human abilities. Angels can deliver from enemies and protect in danger. In their ministry toward the saints, we know of no handicaps they possess. They are not stymied by the enemies that often confound us. They do not encounter insurmountable obstacles in their ministry toward us. In their own capacity as ministers, they are omnipotent, because they are sent forth by the Lord.

     The prophets frequently referred to the Lord as "the Lord of hosts" (Psa 24:10; Isa 3:1; Jer 11:20; Mal 4:3). "God of hosts" is also a common term ascribed by the prophets to the Lord (Psa 80:14; Isa 10:23; Jer 35:17; Amos 5:15). This vast number of supreme intelligences are at His constant disposal. How glorious they are in appearance, and how mighty they are in the execution of His will! And what is their purpose? Why are these "hosts" before the Lord? What is the work to which they are assigned? Why are there so many of them? Is it to serve the Lord like slaves serve a king, gratifying personal needs?  Indeed, it is not! The Lord is God--He has no "personal needs," as ordinarily conceived. This multitude of heavenly hosts are designated as "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." The divine objective for the creation of man was the extension of God's Person and will. The Lord determined that man would rule over the works of His hands, being the appointed executor of His will and kingdom. The world was created as an arena in which the drama of redemption would be unfolded. It was a place where the enemy would be overcome, and the saints perfected for their eternal reign with Christ. The role of angels is to assist the "saints" in the appropriation of the salvation to which they have been appointed. There is no room for minuscule thinking in the consideration of these things. Big God! Big purpose! Big salvation!

     If you are ever tempted to have small thoughts of salvation because of the condition of the church, think of the angels. They are not weak! They have not diminished in their strength! They are not unfaithful! They are still strong, and swiftly execute the will of the Lord. And, they are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."  You are the reason for angels--an enumerable company of angels! Operating in the background, they are appointed to enable you to appropriate the "great salvation" for which faith has qualified you! You do not see them, but you must believe they are there. They will not draw attention to themselves, but God has drawn their attention to you! You will not be able to command them, or solicit their aid for personal enterprises. They do the bidding of the Lord, not yours.  However, God Himself is interested in you, and He has made the angels to facilitate His objectives in you. How great a salvation has been brought to us!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the heavenly hosts assigned to minister to the heirs of salvation.  Give me grace to conduct my life in a manner that will make their ministry a pleasant one.

-- TOMORROW: A VAST NUMBER --