Posts: Angels

Angels

“For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” (1 Corinthians 4:9) While in the midst of their careers, the probability of success by the apostles appeared low to both people on earth and spiritual beings (angels) in heaven. Angels, despite their enviable mailing address, don’t know it all. They learned from the faith of the apostles, as should we on earth. We and angels are not that different – both types of spirits need to learn to trust God.

“Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:3) In context, Paul was shocked that Christians were suing each other in civil courts rather than choosing a wise and faithful person to settle the matter. The faithful will judge angels, so they are certainly able to handle earthly disputes. How do the faithful develop the insight, wisdom and judgment for this? Such is the job of the Spirit who dwells in the faithful. Trust the promise and make decisions. God’s got your back.

“For this reason the woman [female prophet] ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” (1 Corinthians 11:10) Don’t confuse the angels. Christian spouses are supposed to play out an illustration of the relationship between Jesus and the church (Ephesians 5:11 – 33). But, God chose some wives to be prophets. So, those female prophets wore a heavy head covering so the roles would not appear to be in conflict. How we act out our roles affects more than observers on earth. Don’t let our human excuses confuse the angels.

“The Law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator [Moses].” (Galatians 3:19) Certainly, God was able to communicate the Law to Moses directly, but He had angels do it. Angels are not robots; they can choose, as evidenced by the large group that rebelled. God took a chance and placed great trust in those angels to do this job well. God treats the faithful with an equally staggering trust: to communicate His good news on earth. History shows that we often have performed this task badly, yet He continues to trust us to get the job done well.

“But when He again brings the Firstborn into the world, He says, ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him.’” (Hebrews 1:6) The quote is from the Greek translation of Deuteronomy 32:42 (Septuagint) in which atonement is promised ~1500 years before Jesus. In the Bible, worship is reserved for God. While on earth, Jesus allowed people to worship Him, whereas angels and apostles did not. “And the Word [God] became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1, 14) Some of the angels got the message; the same with people.

“Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) The Bible contains many stories about angels accomplishing various tasks for the benefit of faithful people. That’s their job. Do they still do it, just without publicity? If God hasn’t told us that an angel did some specific thing, we don’t need to know. However, nowhere does the Bible suggest that angels have retired. Rather, they are the unheralded, behind-the-scenes servants of the Kingdom. Sounds like a cool job.

“It is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come… ‘You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor.’” (Hebrews 2:5 – 18, Psalm 8) People, including the earthly Jesus, are less powerful than angels in their time on earth. But a successful exit has already displayed Jesus’ parade of godly character traits (glory), as is also promised to the faithful. The world to come will be His; the faithful will reign with Him; and the angels will continue to serve. Service is success, too. (John 13)

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and the church of the Firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect.” (Hebrews 12:22 – 23) Faithful humans demonstrate to angels how faith works. Faithful angels are part of the church. They serve us; we serve them – just in different ways. Unity in the midst of diversity is an essential characteristic of the body.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:2) The point is not that we will derive some benefit from hosting a stranger, but that we may help God’s angels on their way without knowing it. Unless God makes their identities abundantly clear with iron-clad evidence, we will never know we did it. We don’t need to know. God asked that comfort be provided for these special servants even though He could do it Himself. That is what faith is about; He trusts us. Trust God; do the job.

“To them [prophets] it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to you they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels desire to look.” (1 Peter 1:12) Until the Good News was revealed, angels did not know how God would be able to work out the problems of justice, ethnic division, the splintered family, and hopelessness. They learn as we act it out in the church. How are we doing?

“…who [Jesus] has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” (1 Peter 3:22) Unlike other leaders, Jesus has impeccable character and a history of outstanding decision-making. Even so, not all angels have the humility to follow. We should not be surprised when people do the same. Yet, Jesus does not feel threatened when some choose their own way. Jesus is still in charge whether they do or don’t.

“…whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.” (2 Peter 2:11) Peter noted, in the midst of describing people of terrible behavior, even in the church, that angels knew better than to dispose of their responsibilities to rescue such by simply writing them off. The job of the faithful is to admonish, which is to warn gently and patiently of dangers ahead. Leave judgment to the professional.