Scripture
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
— Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)
Devotional
Angels are the unseen attendants of the saints of God; they bear us up in their hands, lest we dash our foot against a stone. Loyalty to their Lord leads them to take a deep interest in the children of his love; they rejoice over the return of the prodigal to his father’s house below, and they welcome the advent of the believer to the King’s palace above. In olden times the sons of God were favoured with their visible appearance, and at this day, although unseen by us, heaven is still opened, and the angels of God ascend and descend upon the Son of man, that they may visit the heirs of salvation. Seraphim still fly with live coals from off the altar to touch the lips of men greatly beloved. If our eyes could be opened, we should see horses of fire and chariots of fire about the servants of the Lord; for we have come to an innumerable company of angels, who are all watchers and protectors of the seed-royal. Spenser’s line is no poetic fiction, where he sings– “How oft do they with golden pinions cleave The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant Against foul fiends to aid us militant!” To what dignity are the chosen elevated when the brilliant courtiers of heaven become their willing servitors! Into what communion are we raised since we have intercourse with spotless celestials! How well are we defended since all the twenty- thousand chariots of God are armed for our deliverance! To whom do we owe all this? Let the Lord Jesus Christ be forever endeared to us, for through him we are made to sit in heavenly places far above principalities and powers. He it is whose camp is round about them that fear him; he is the true Michael whose foot is upon the dragon. All hail, Jesus! thou Angel of Jehovah’s presence, to thee this family offers its morning vows.
Reflection
Angels are unseen attendants of the heirs of salvation—rejoicing over prodigals, welcoming believers home, ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Fire and chariots still surround the servants of the Lord, whether your eyes are open to them or not. But do not end in angel-fascination. End in Jesus. Through Him you sit in heavenly places. He is the true Michael with His foot on the dragon, the Angel of Jehovah’s presence whose camp is round about those who fear Him. All hail, Jesus.
Goad
Are you more dazzled by unseen servants this morning than thankful for the Lord Jesus who commands their ministry for heirs of salvation?
Tie-In
Morning remembers ministering spirits for the heirs. Evening remembers the tempted Savior who succours the tempted. Heaven’s help around you; Christ’s sympathy within the fight.
Closing
Spurgeon’s classic text with a brief reflection to help today’s reader.
If these words have stirred something, sit with it.
NewGrapes Ministries. Making disciples, not pew-fillers. Soli Deo Gloria.