What Angels Long to Do

Hebrews 1:1–14

When you picture an angel, what comes to mind? A glowing figure with wings? A chubby cherub from a Christmas card? Maybe a tall blond in a white robe with a halo?

The Bible’s version is far different—and far more awe-inspiring. When angels appear in Scripture, people don’t giggle or grin; they tremble. Luke tells us that when an angel appeared to the shepherds at Bethlehem, “the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” (Luke 2:9 NIV)

That’s a far cry from the figurine on your mantel.

But even these powerful beings—God’s messengers, warriors, and servants—exist for one reason: to glorify the Son of God. And that’s what the Book of Hebrews wants us to see.

Big Idea: Angels are mighty servants in God’s story, but Jesus is the Son, the Sovereign, and the Savior.

1. Listen to Jesus, the Final Word

Hebrews opens with this declaration:

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Hebrews 1:1–2)

All the Old Testament voices—Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah—were like lamps turning on room by room. Then, in Jesus, the floodlights came on. He is God’s final and fullest word.

Everything began through Him and moves toward Him. He’s not merely a messenger; He’s the message. John 1 calls Him the Word made flesh. Colossians says all things were created through Him and for Him.

He’s the Creator, the Sustainer, the Heir of all things—and the One who “sat down” after making purification for our sins. Priests in the Old Testament never sat down; their work was never finished. But Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all. When He cried, “It is finished,” He meant it.

That means your forgiveness is not something you work for—it’s something you work from. So when you open your Bible, you’re not earning points; you’re hearing from the One who already paid your debt.

Even angels take their cues from Him. Hebrews reminds us: they stand and serve, but the Son sits and rules.

If any “spiritual message”—even one claiming angelic origin—contradicts what Jesus has already spoken, Hebrews 1:4 and Galatians 1:8 tell us to reject it. The true messengers of God never compete with the Son.

2. Worship Jesus, the Angels’ King

Hebrews goes on to quote the Old Testament:

“Let all God’s angels worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:6)

The Father commands the angels to worship the Son. That only makes sense if the Son shares the Father’s divine nature. Angels are swift as wind and bright as flame, but they are servants—created beings who know exactly where they stand.

If angels bow before Christ, our worship is in good company.

In Revelation 5, countless angels and the redeemed church cry out together: “Worthy is the Lamb!”

Sometimes Christians get fascinated with angels, but the angels themselves are fascinated with Jesus. You can sing the right song to the wrong person, and Hebrews won’t let us do that.

Think of an orchestra. Before the concert begins, every instrument warms up—noise everywhere—until the oboe plays the concert A. Then everyone tunes to that note.
Angels and believers are the orchestra. Jesus is the pitch. Worship is in tune when our hearts align with Him.

So this week, align your Monday. Take one decision you’re facing and ask, “What would it look like if Jesus truly ruled here?”
That’s worship—the kind angels understand.

3. Partner with Angels, God’s Servants to God’s People

Hebrews closes chapter 1 with this remarkable line:

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

Angels serve God’s people. They protect, guide, and aid according to His command. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.”

But here’s the thing: while angels serve unseen, God also sends us. When you deliver a meal to a new parent, repair a fence for a neighbor recovering from surgery, or simply sit with someone who’s hurting—you’re joining the same mission.

I like to picture it this way. When there’s a fire, the county dispatcher calls out the local volunteer fire department. You don’t see the dispatcher, but before long, the sirens are coming.
That’s what God does—He dispatches help, seen and unseen, to rescue and restore under His command.

So if you can’t see the help right now, don’t assume Heaven’s gone silent. The reinforcements may already be on the move—you just haven’t seen the dust yet.

Do What Angels Long to Do

Angels long to watch the miracle of salvation unfold (1 Peter 1:12). They marvel at what we get to experience: forgiveness, adoption, the indwelling Spirit, and the hope of resurrection.

So let’s do what angels long to do—
Listen to Jesus above every voice.
Worship Him without rivals.
Serve His mission with courage and compassion.

Keep angels in their biblical lane—mighty servants of a greater King—and keep Jesus at the center.

Because angels stand and serve.
But the Son sits and saves.

This blog post is based on a sermon preached on October 5, 2025, by Dr. Bart Denny at Pathway – A Wesleyan Church in Saranac, Michigan.

You can watch the full sermon here.