Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Angels

July 23, 2006

A STUDY OF ANGELS IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

Part Three

So far we have looked at the Description, Nature, Characteristics and Relationship of Angels - and next we see . . .

THE WORK OF ANGELS

In relation to God - Angels have a ministry in connection with the glory of God in His presence as symbolized in the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:5 and Genesis 3:24). They were also involved in the process of the communication of His law in the Old Testament (Hebrews 2:2).

In relation to Christ – Angels will worship Christ at His return to earth (Hebrews 1:6).

In relation to man – Angels revealed themselves to some men anthropomorphically (13:2). That is they revealed themselves to men as men. They also interacted with some men in the Old Testament (13:2). They carry on an effectual ministry to the church (1:7, 14).

THE NUMBER OF ANGELS

How many angels are there? The Book of Hebrews doesn’t specify numbers. However, numerical reference to angels is present in the book. For example, the individuality of angels is stressed – “to which” of the angels…? (1:5, 13). The plurality of angels is emphasized (1:4, 5, 6, 7; 13:2). In Hebrews 12:22 we read that there is an “innumerable” company of angels (NAS).

THE LOCATION OF ANGELS

Angels are said to reside in the very presence of God – This is seen in the fact that they are said to be “sent forth” (1:14). This implies that angels are sent forth from God. The position of the Cherubim over the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant in the most holy place (9:5) reveals that some angels share the presence of God. Angels are also said to be in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Angels are said to be in the presence of man (1:14) - “But angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation (NLT}. That’s us, folks!

The following applications are borrowed from Dr. John Bechtle:

What is the job description for an angel? The unnamed angels who appear most often in Scripture carry out a variety of tasks – all designed to serve God…

• Strengthening and Encouraging – Angels strengthened Jesus after His temptation (Matt. 4:11), encouraged the apostles to keep preaching after releasing them from prison (Acts 5:19-20), and told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the impending shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25).

• Answering prayer – God often uses angels as His means of answering the prayers of His people (Daniel 9:20-24; 10:10-12; Acts 12:1-17).

• Caring for believers at the moment of death - In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, we read that angels carried the spirit of Lazarus to “Abraham’s bosom” when he died (Luke 16:22).

In our final study in the brief series we will consider another type of angel. So until next week, God bless and keep looking up.