Essex Congreational Remembrancer Hebrews 1:4-14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.… I. SOME OF THE OBJECTS FOR WHICH SUCH MINISTRATIONS ARE EMPLOYED. 1. In imparting direction under circumstances of doubt and perplexity. 2. In affording consolation and support in seasons of distress and trial. 3. To defend and preserve in the hour of danger or peril. 4. As connected with the introduction of the believer to his final blessedness. 5. It seems further questionable whether angels may not have some special charge over the mortal remains of the believer (Deuteronomy 34:5, 6). 6. There is one peculiarly striking circumstance noticed in the text, viz., that believers are represented as having been the subjects of this angelic attention prior to their actual possession of "a good hope through grace": — they are "sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation." And how interesting might it often prove for the believer to review that part of his life in which he lived estranged from God, with the remembrance of this fact. Perhaps, Christian, you have been once and again held back, you knew not how, when upon the very brink of ruin. It was the restraining grace of God that held you, but of that grace perhaps an angel was the friendly minister. II. SOME REASONS FOR WHICH ANGELIC MINISTRATION MAY PROBABLY BE EMPLOYED. 1. To display the superior honour and glory of the Divine Redeemer. 2. To afford to angels themselves opportunity of contemplating the most illustrious display of the Divine perfections. 3. To illustrate the Divine tenderness and care over His Church and people. III. THE PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS THE SUBJECT SEEMS NATURALLY TO SUGGEST. 1. Let an apprehension of their presence make us watchful over the correctness and propriety of our external deportment. 2. Let the dispositions which in such conduct they evince, be studied as a model to which our own should be conformed. 3. Let the believer rejoice in the prospect of intimate and endeared association with these ministering spirits. (Essex Congreational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. |
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