What do you think about angels? Do they exist? Do they interact with people? How important are they? The Bible says they do exist and lists a number of times that angels do in fact speak to people. The fact that angels are God-created speaks to their value. Beyond that Hollywood has generated many fantasies about angels earning their wings, getting second chances in heaven and so much other confusion about the true identity and purpose of angels. I’ve known people who reject Jesus but collect angel nick knacks and some who even worship angels. How do angels ‘rank’ in the Bible? Let’s look:
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:1-4
Of course, this person who is ‘much better than the angels’ is Jesus. True, God has spoken through His angels in the past and also, at least once, through a donkey. And yes, He could still speak to us through such extravagant ways and circumstances. But primarily, He speaks to us through His Son, Jesus, the heir of all things and to whom all authority has been given, on earth and in heaven (Matthew 28:18). We might be tempted, especially at Christmas time, to think that Jesus first appeared on the scene as a baby in Bethlehem. But God’s Word reminds us here and in John 1 that Jesus has always been. Our world was made through Him. He was, He is, and He will always be, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). Some people say they believe in God but not Jesus. (Fair enough; everyone is welcome to their own beliefs.) But God’s Word, tested through the ages, says that Jesus is “the exact representation” of God. His nature is the same as God’s. His motives are the same as God’s. In fact, it follows that if you want to know God, you want to know Jesus.
We needn’t disregard the importance of angels in God’s grand plans. But let’s keep our focus on the supremacy of Him who is “much better than the angels,” the One who offers us real hope for today!
