He’s No Angel
Hebrews 1:4-8 NASB
4 having become so much better than the angels, to the extent that He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
5 For to which of the angels did He ever say,
“You are My Son,
Today I have fathered You”?
And again,
“I will be a Father to Him
And He will be a Son to Me”?
6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says,
“And let all the angels of God worship Him.”
7 And regarding the angels He says,
“He makes His angels winds,
And His ministers a flame of fire.”
8 But regarding the Son He says,
“Your throne, God, is forever and ever,
And the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of His kingdom.
In many cases, when someone referring to another person says, “he’s no angel,” it’s not a good thing. However, in the case of the book of Hebrews, in referring to Jesus, He is no angel. He is much better than angels.
The book of Hebrews is comprised of a doctrinal letter written to Jewish people who had converted to Christianity. But their faith in Jesus has come at a cost. They are undergoing persecution from the Jewish people who did not convert. The persecution is severe enough to cause some of the believers to consider abandoning their newfound faith and going back under the Mosaiclaw. The author of Hebrews, quite a few theologians think Paul wrote the letter, is writing to show that Jesus is better. He is better than Moses, better than the law, and better than angels. So Hebrews is constantly comparing Christianity with Judaism.
Because people are still today enamored with angels, the author is showing how Jesus is better than the angels. He has been given a name, an authority, which is far above angels. Jesus is the Son of God who is to be worshipped by angels. Jesus has a throne of righteousness, and angels do not sit on thrones. Jesus is the Lord, and the angels are servants of God sent to help those who have inherited salvation.
I admit the subject of angels and their existence is fascinating. Jesus spoke of little children having angels. Personally, I believe there are angels assigned to help us. I have had a few instances in my life where I believe angelic intervention may have saved me from serious trouble. But angels are never superior to Jesus, nor do they supersede God’s Word, regardless of how dynamic the message. People have veered off into serious error when they believed the message of a supposed angel of God instead of what the Scriptures say. Angels may be fearsome, but they are not to be worshipped. And just because you have never seen one does not mean they do not exist. Jesus said He had access to over sixty thousand angels in his time of need. However, He never called on them before the cross. But they did come and help Him after His forty-day fast and in the garden prior to His arrest. They are real but not superior or equal to Jesus and never will be.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your angels who have been a help to me. Thank You for their protection. But even more, thank You for Jesus, my Lord and Savior.