Angels

Revelation 7:11-12

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

The word “angel” actually comes from the Greek word "angelos," which means “messenger.” However angels are also watchers, military hosts, and are even called sons of God (meaning they were created by God). When we see angels in the Bible, most have the appearance and form of a man. Most of them have wings, but not all. Some are larger than life; some appear in dazzling white and blazing glory, and some are not even visible. Often, when appearing to another person, they say, "Do not fear," because they convey the larger than life glory and holiness of God. Angels have many traits: stronger than man, but not omnipotent; greater than man in knowledge, but not omniscient; are spirits like the soul of a person, but without a physical body.

But a very interesting distinction between angels and people is not just in characteristic, but in worship. Angels sing of God's glory and power and holiness like we read in Revelation 7:11-12, referenced above. But in the verses just before in verses 9-10, the great multitude of people "from every nation, tribe, people and language,... cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God...'” Our worship song is of salvation! We see it also in Revelation 14:3. Only the redeemed of the earth can sing the new song in heaven.

Both songs (and all songs of God) are glorious and good and worshipful. But WE have a unique song to sing, as do the angels. It's almost like in God's symphonic orchestra, we're the woodwind section, and the angels are the brass.

Point simply is: sing your song of salvation! Let your worship be known. It's important and unique. Not even the angels can sing of salvation and redemption. That's ours and yours exclusive privilege.

Let us pray:

Thank you for saving me, God. Give me a new song! Help me to praise you for all you've done in my life. May I not keep back your glory. Amen.