Daily Devotional | Better Than Angels

Angels are everywhere. You see them on charm bracelets, in pictures, and shaped in sculpture. You can find them in cemeteries, mounted on park fountains, and even on a certain brand of toilet paper. Humans in every age have had a fascination with these heavenly beings. Unfortunately, this interest has sometimes crossed the line and fallen into angel worship.

Those who received this letter appear to have developed an excessive interest in angels. The writings of the Jewish community of Qumran, known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, include speculations about angels. There may even be an indication that they were venerated to the point of worship. Similarly, Colossians 2:18 warns, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”

Today’s passage puts angels in the proper perspective by pointing out that Jesus is superior to the angels. Angels are God’s servants and messengers, but Jesus is the divine Son of God and is worshiped by angels (vv. 5–6). The angels surround the throne and are God’s servants (v. 7, compare with Rev. 5:11). But Jesus is enthroned at God’s right hand (vv. 8, 13). Although Jesus was made “lower than the angels” when He took to Himself a human nature (2:9), He is now enthroned at the Father’s right hand, waiting for all His enemies to be subdued (v. 13).

Jesus is not an ordinary human who has been elevated to divine status. Nor is He an angel on steroids. He is the eternal God and our Creator who became flesh (vv. 10–12). He is worthy of our worship. No angel can make such a claim (Rev. 19:10; 22:8–9).

Go Deeper

How do people think about angels today? What corrections does this passage make to the way we view angels?

Pray with Us: Lord, we hear Hebrew’s warning about revering false “gods” and worshiping angels. Keep us from taking our eyes off You to follow the appeals of the world. Only You are worthy “to receive glory and honor and power” (Rev. 4:11).

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.