The Work of Angels | Hebrews 1:14

“Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.” (Hebrews 1:14 NLT)

Movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Bishop’s Wife, and Angels in the Outfield have led many people to wonder whether angels really play a role in the lives of people here on earth. According to Scripture, if those people are Christians, the answer is absolutely yes.

Much of the work of angels is done without our knowing, and for good reason. Revelation 22 offers an informative illustration. Regarding the visions of Heaven he’d been given, the apostle John wrote, “And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me” (verse 8 NLT). It seems that the appearance and work of angels can overwhelm our human senses and confuse us as to who deserves our praise and worship.

Occasionally, however, God draws back the cosmic curtain and allows people to see His angelic creation. In Numbers 22:31–33, Balaam’s eyes were opened to the sword-wielding angel of the Lord who stood ready to kill him if he continued his journey. In 2 Kings 6:15–17, the eyes of Elisha’s servant were opened so that he could see the mighty angelic army that was surrounding the Aramean army outside the village of Dothan.

That encounter tracks with these words of David: “For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him” (Psalm 34:7 NLT). The author of Hebrews wrote that angels are “spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14 NLT).

Jesus also made an interesting statement when He was speaking about children: “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 18:10 NLT). Perhaps children have guardian angels. I believe they need guardian angels. You always must keep your eye on them, especially when they’re young.

If you’ve ever wondered how you averted a close call, the answer may be the intervention of an angel. But it’s important to remember that it was an angel doing the work of God. Our heavenly Father is the One who deserves the glory. The angel to whom John mistakenly bowed in Revelation 22 made that quite clear: “But he said, ‘No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!’” (verse 9 NLT).

But what about the close call that isn’t averted? What about the tragedy that occurs with no intervention? Where’s the angel then? I’ll tell you where—escorting the believer into God’s presence.

When tragic things happen and life ends suddenly, it may not seem logical to us. But God is still in control. And the angels did their job—guiding us, protecting us, and finally taking us to glory.

Reflection question: When have you or someone you know experienced what seemed like the work of an angel? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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