God’s Anointed One–Exalted Above All by Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell

God’s Anointed One—Exalted Above All

By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell

Scripture Readings: Hebrews 1:6-14

Key Verse: Hebrews 1:6: “And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship Him.’”

I have always thought that the Old Testament story of the Israelites worshipping a golden calf seemed silly—how could they make a figure like that and worship it? We are warned against worshipping false gods, told to guard ourselves from false doctrines, to test the spirits that beckon us to make sure they come from God. Those who have felt that they have encountered angels may be tempted to continue to commune with the spirit world, to try to get in touch with their Guardian Angels—aren’t they from God? Aren’t the angels spoken of in the Bible?

The Bible certainly mentions angels, some of them by name, such as Gabriel and Michael who have very specific roles. I love these stories. I believe in angels and their protection. I even have a collection of angels—my husband gives me one every Christmas Eve at church! And if God sent angelic beings to me, I hope that I would test them and know that they were from Him. But, I know better than to worship them or the little angel figurines. Why would I want to worship an angel instead of God himself?

We sometimes put our faith in the wrong things or the wrong people, but we need to remember who is really in charge. If we need spiritual connection, Jesus waits for us, seeks us, listens to hear from us. We have a direct connection to the Messiah, the very one who loved us so much that he died on the cross to reconcile us to God whose very nature is love. It is Jesus that the angels themselves worship. I don’t want a consolation prize—I want the greatest gift of all, Jesus himself.

It is Jesus whose throne is forever. It is Jesus who holds the righteous scepter. It is Jesus who loved righteousness. It is Jesus who is the holy, anointed one. It is Jesus who is exalted above all, superior to his celestial companions. It is Jesus who laid the foundations of the earth. It is Jesus whose hands made the heavens. It is Jesus who never changes. It is Jesus whom God put at his right hand after he atoned for our sins.

It is Jesus who is worthy of our worship. After all, aren’t the angels His messengers, “ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”

Prayer: May I always remember that you are the Messiah, the one true God. May I always remember that you are the only one worthy of my worship. May I always remember that you are the Anointed One—Exalted above all others, King of Kings, Lord of Lords!