Young Adults' Group

Glory To God In The Highest

by Pastor Mark
December 20, 2018

The ministry of angels

The heavenly angels play a significant role in the plan of God. The author of Hebrews gave this special insight concerning angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14) What are they meant to be?

1. Ministering spirits…The word “ministering” in Greek is “leitourgikos” which means to “offer sacred service.” The angels are to give sacred service to God. They are at the back and call of God. They are spirits who seek to minister in holy service.

2. Sent by God…The angels are specially sent by God. God authorises them to fulfil His work on this earth…to do things according to His plan, especially His plan of salvation for man.

3. Ministry of salvation…The word “minister” in Greek is “diakononia” which is similar to “leitourgikos” means to “serve humbly”. The angels are to serve humbly to those who are inheriting salvation. This is the wonderful work of angels…that they seek to humbly minister by bringing the message of salvation to man so that we can truly find salvation.

The proclamation of good news

A wonderful example of this ministry is the Angel Gabriel who brought the Lord’s message to the shepherds. He declared to them, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) What a glorious message this was! He came to present the good news of great joy. This news was meant for everyone. The good news was the birth of Christ in the city of David…the long-awaited Saviour, the Messiah. (Luke 2:11) What a privilege it must have been for the angel Gabriel to minister this good news of salvation. It was also a special privilege for the lowly shepherds to receive this amazing news. The announcement was followed by the song of the angelic host.

The song of the angels

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:13,14)

The scene must have been most awesome to behold. There was a multitude of the heavenly host singing to the shepherds. They were giving praise to the Lord. What were they singing about?

1. They gave glory to God in the highest…The singing of the angels was most glorious. They gave glory to God who was in the highest. He is the supreme God. Through the giving of the message of the birth of Christ the Saviour, God is deserving of the highest glory.

2. They sang a message of peace…The angels sang a message for the whole earth. It was a message of peace. Through the birth of Christ, men can experience peace with God and with themselves. They are to receive goodwill from God too. At the same time, the phrase “goodwill towards men” in the Greek may also be translated as “towards men with goodwill”. It was a message that was given to men who has His goodwill. When the shepherd checked and confirmed this good news, they found joy and gave great praise to the Lord. Let us give thanks and rejoice for this wonderful message that the angels as ministering spirit gave to the shepherds and to world…a message of salvation and peace to all.

Back to Article Listing