“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrew 1:14)
“A ‘ministering’ spirit is one that is employed to execute the will of God.” (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible)
The writer of Hebrews is making two important points for us in this statement. 1) that angels are lower than Christ, in that they have no redeeming power, nor do they sit at the right hand of the Father; 2) they are commissioned by God Himself to assist believers on their path to glory.
One example we find in scripture is in Daniel 9:22-23 when Gabriel is dispatched to deliver a message to the prophet. We also know an angel came to tell Mary she was to bear the son of the Most High God. An angel came to Joseph and told him the same so that he would marry Mary. An angel came to Lot prior to destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, and this is just the tip of the ice berg regarding the appearance of ministering spirits in scripture.
Luke 15:10 shows us that angels have an interest in man and are joyful when one sinner repents. Angels
take special interest in all the facets relating to the redemption of man as evidenced by the aforementioned visit to Mary and Joseph. The angels also announced the birth of the Messiah to shepherds in the fields. Angels came to minister to Jesus after He had been tempted by Satan. An angel gave Jesus strength in the garden of Gethsemane. Angels were there at the grave where Jesus was buried. Angels were there to announce Christ’s resurrection. They were also present at Christ’s ascension, assuring the disciples of His return.
Angels appear to defend and protect God’s people as well (Psalm 34:7; Genesis 19:1, 15; Acts 5:19; Acts 12:7-8). Angels are sent to give us the strength we need to turn our backs on temptation (Luke 22:43, 53). Fallen angels, the minions of Satan, are thwarted by the pure angels of God on our behalf. Angels aid and comfort us in our affliction and usher us into God’s presence when we pass from this life into the next.
God’s ministering spirits are active and ever present in the world to aid those who have committed their lives to Christ. There is no such assistance available for the unsaved unless we approach the throne of grace on their behalf; however, angels are servants of Almighty God to do His bidding on the behalf of His children. If you have sought and received forgiveness for your sins, you are a part of God’s family and have nothing to fear, for angels are near to protect and assist you at all times.
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!
