Hebrews 1:4 says that Jesus, who because of His position and work, has “become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they”, and the rest of the chapter contrasts Him with them. God’s angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister” to His people, verse 14, but Jesus is God’s only begotten Son, a distinction never given to angels, and by reason of this position, He alone could bring into fruition God’s plan for the ages which includes the redemption of fallen mankind, verses 2- 3. He laid aside His equality with God “taking the form of a bond-servant…became obedient to…the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name…” Philippians 2:5-11. We are given another picture of His position and work in Revelation 5 where we are introduced to a “scroll…sealed with seven seals…And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth (neither man, angel, or spirit) was able to open the scroll or to look at it” except “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David…a Lamb as though it had been slain…”. Much has been written and spoken about the seven seal judgments that were on the scroll, which is very important but what else is significant about the scroll? While the Bible does not specifically say it, I believe it contained God’s plan of the ages, the plan which included redemption for all mankind, Jew and Gentile alike, all that would “Believe on the lord Jesus Christ…will be saved” Acts 16:31. No one could fulfill that plan except Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb; when John looks to see the Lion who “prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” he sees “a Lamb as though it had been slain…” Revelation 5:5-6, it was “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29. Having now fulfilled God’s plan of redemption He is revealed as the Lion who alone can open the scroll and loose the seals of judgment on the unbelieving world! No wonder God has set Him in the position “that is so much better than the angels” “and given Him the name which is above every name” Philippians 2:9. He is “the King of kings and Lord of lords” 1 Timothy 1:15. Yes, and better than the angels!
Better than angels
By Rose Hill
Angels are near when God’s word we read,
When we are in trouble they can help with speed.
But Jesus our Lord is better by far,
Than many of God’s angels really are.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.