Ministering Spirits? Guardian Angels?

May 10

Read: Hebrews 1:14, 2:1-4

Ministering Spirits? Guardian Angels?

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”

Salvation is something that we “inherit” as Christians. When you think about an inheritance, you realize very quickly that it is something that you do not work for or earn on your own. In fact the entire premise of an “inheritance” is that someone has gone before you, did the work, and earned what is being gifted to you. Inheritance is not for everyone. It is not something that is distributed the same to any and all… no an inheritance is something uniquely given - to distinct individuals. This is what we have in Christ - the inheritance of salvation. Jesus has gone before us. Jesus has done the work. Jesus has earned the reward… and he is giving it to us, his brothers and sisters.

God sends “ministering spirits” into the world to serve and care for those children of God who have been gifted this inheritance. I know we have this somewhat “fairy-tale” notion of “guardian angels” and the like - but the truth is far more tangible and powerful. God is sending his agents from he spiritual realm to serve his people… for our “sake” and benefit. In as much as there are rebellious spiritual actors there are faithful and obedient ones.

It is easy for us to lose sight of this inherited salvation. We begin to think it is something we earn for ourselves…which is the opposite of an inheritance. This is why we must “pay much closer attention to what we have heard.” (v.2:1) Otherwise we will easy “drift away” from God’s truth. How much attention are you paying to the words of God? Whether through the scriptures, the indwelling presence of the Spirit, or through the rest of God’s people? It is so easy to drift away. We more often than not pay closer attention to the things of this world than we do these spiritual truths. Do not neglect the inheritance of salvation that has been given to you. (v. 2:3) Notice that it is not that you have not “received” the inheritance but rather that it can be neglected… overlooked… ignored.

How humbling it is to be given such a gift! To know that angels are sent by God to look out for us… to serve us as “ministering spirits”. How freeing it is to REST in what Jesus has already done. Pay closer attention to the spiritual things God has sent your way. Watch how the Lord speaks to you and listen to the testimony of those around you who are experiencing the work of God first hand… they are “attesting to it”. (v.2:3) Furthermore, in these last days the Holy Spirit will give gifts to the people of God that will point to this inheritance of salvation. (v.2:4) Watch in these last days for the “signs and wonders and various miracles” of the Lord which point to the Son - Jesus Christ. The alternative? We “drift away” and forget… and that is no good at all… and the waste of such a great inheritance being given to us as the children of God. Love you guys. - JDP