SOAP: Hebrews 1:14

Heb 1: 1 – 4, 14
God, after he spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
In these last days he has spoken to us in His son,
whom He appointed heir over all things,
Through whom he also made the world.
He is the exact radiance of His glory
And the exact representation of his nature,
And upholds all things by the word of His power.
When he had made purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels…
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Observation:
There would be, it seems, a created order in the universe: More honourable, less honourable; Greater and lesser. The hierarchy looks like:
1. The Majesty on High
2. The Son, at the Right hand of the Father
3. The fathers and those of us who will inherit salvation
4. The angels, ministering Spirits sent to serve us.

Application:
When it feels as though we are on top of the stack, as though we are in control, it is easy to forget that there is a hierarchy – and that we are honoured. When you have climbed to the top rung, it is possible to take for granted how far you have come and how much it has taken to lift you up.
Likewise, when it feels as though we’re on the bottom of the stack, it is easy to feel forgetten – unless, of course, you are useful.

We humans, if left to the bottom, would surely not be considered very useful for the purposes of service on the earth. We, if exalted to the top, would not appreciate, nor take responsibility for the privileges. If our history is anything to go by, we would probably end up despising our own hierarchy, disparaging those below us and probably undermining the very honour that we were given!

It is important for me to honour those who are above me. These remind me that I am a man under authority and that I am submitted to a greater vision and a higher wisdom than my own. It is also important for me to recognise that there are others who are waiting on me. These remind me that I am a man with responsibility and with glorious beings who are created specifically to serve us, I am a man with opportunity.

Prayer:
Master creator, it is a privilege to dwell in your world as a creation amongst your creator. It is an even greater honour to present myself at your feet and before your throne. It is my greatest honour to walk with you, to bear your name, to share in your friendship. Please teach me to be like you. Please, for the sake of your name and for those who serve me, teach me to carry your purposes to my team of angels.
With the courage that comes from knowing your Son, I ask you to overcome all my weaknesses, fill my with your light.
As per your Son’s request,
Pilgrim.