Bible Pathways - Dec. 12, 2007

Hebrews 1

In Today's Reading:

Why Christ assumed a human body; Christ's superiority to angels and Moses; salvation; Christ, our High Priest

It was angels who delivered Lot out of Sodom (Genesis 19:1-26); angels ministered to Jesus following His 40-day fast (Matthew 4:11); and an angel delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:11). But, even more comforting to us is to know that angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Just think; that includes all who are heirs of salvation. Even when it seems that Satan has devastated our lives, God, who created and rules the universe, in His own way causes the works of Satan and the wrath of men to further His ultimate will for each one of us.

The importance of angels does not compare to the superiority of Christ. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son? (1:5). Yet, despite His eternal superiority as Creator of angels, because of His great love for us, Jesus willingly was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death . . . that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became (was proper for) Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain (Author, Source) of their salvation perfect through sufferings. . . . For verily (truly) He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved (was best for) Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest . . . to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (2:9-10,16-17).

While God has His angels who minister to us, Satan has his fallen angels (demons) who do his bidding. And Paul warned us: Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14). Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God (I John 4:1). It is of utmost importance that we do not worship angels, as some are doing today. Angels are created beings and we are to worship the Creator, not the creation. The Apostle John records in Revelation: When I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant . . . worship God (Revelation 22:8-9).

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it (Hebrews 4:1).

Cross References:

For Hebrews 1:3: See Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:5: See Psalm 2:7; II Samuel 7:14. Hebrews 1:6: See Psalm 97:7. Hebrews 1:7: See Psalm 104:4. Hebrews 1:8-9: See Psalm 45:6-7. Hebrews 1:10-12: See Psalm 102:25-27. Hebrews 1:13: See Psalm 110:1. Hebrews 2:6-8: See Psalm 8:4-6. Hebrews 2:12: See Psalm 22:22. Hebrews 2:13: See Isaiah 8:18. Hebrews 3:7-11: See Psalm 95:7-11. Hebrews 4:3: See Psalm 95:11. Hebrews 4:4: See Genesis 2:2.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Kagen (WI) and Rep. Joe Sestak (PA) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord amidst trouble and He will deliver you (Psalm 91:15).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 12:15