Crowns VI

We're slowly working our way through these wonderful verses!

“No angel in the sky can fully bear the sight, but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.”

It was tempting to skip this section of the song because one of my favorite verses comes right after this. However, there is something vitally important being communicated about worship and access in this section. Worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth should be one of the chief pursuits of a believer, so let’s consider this stanza.

Angels are mentioned throughout Scripture. They are mighty beings (not the nonsensical chubby babies sometimes depicted). However, one of the first times we see an officially recorded encounter with angels (where there is no possibility at all that it is a Christophany) is in Isaiah six. Isaiah is dealing with the death of King Uzziah (a possible relative depending on which historian you read) and a man who had been a godly king until he became prideful and sinned. We don’t know much (officially) about Isaiah’s background, but we do know a tremendous amount about his ministry and writings. In the middle of a transition of power and uncertainty, Isaiah has a vision of the throne room of heaven. We are given a clear description of the Seraphim. They are incredibly mighty creatures. They have six wings and constantly proclaim God’s glory. They are in a perpetual state of worship. However, Isaiah did not fall down in worship of the angels (although some people have done that throughout the Bible), but he did acknowledge his “woe” (Isaiah 6:5). He knew he would not survive an encounter with God’s holiness. I think it is particularly important that Isaiah had this vision. See, King Uzziah’s pride led him to attempt to make a sacrifice to God. He felt that he had the right to usurp his God-given role as King and be a Priest. It might have been tempting to feel that God had judged Uzziah harshly, after all he had done many “good things.” Yet Isaiah encounters holiness. He experiences the presence of the one Uzziah dared to treat flippantly. Can you imagine how Isaiah must have felt his own (and the king's/nation’s) bold audacity as he encountered the reality of God’s glory? This would not have simply been an incredible awe-inspiring vision, it would have been a validation of God’s judgment.

Still, to return to the issue of the angels. They are described as mighty warriors, as worshippers, as awe-inspiring, as a host, as protectors, as curious, as messengers, as associated with God’s glory, and definitely as strange looking (in some cases). However, they are not equal to God. We are specifically told that the Seraphim cover their eyes (Isaiah 6:2). As powerful as they are (Michael fights Satan on more than one occasion in Scripture), there is an understanding that they are not like the Most High. Lucifer aspired to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15 & Ezekiel 28:13-19) and it cost him heaven. The price for his rebellion is eternal condemnation without the hope of redemption. See, Jesus did not die for angels, but for man. Peter tells us that angels desire to understand salvation (1 Peter 1:12). They have seen God’s eternal plan unfold. They were there when Satan fell (and some fell with him), and no prophecy was issued regarding a Savior’s birth. The concept of redemption must seem strange to two-part beings. These powerful creatures, that would put superheroes to shame, acknowledge that God is supreme. Satan was unable to defeat him. Satan is not God’s counterpoint. God reigns overall and will never be thwarted. If the creatures who terrified the shepherds (Luke 2), caused Daniel to fall down as one dead (Daniel 10), gave hope to Elisha’s servant (2 Kings 6), overpowered a squadron of Roman soldiers (Matthew 28), and will eventually permanently cast Satan out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9) are subject to the Father of Lights (James 1:17), what have we to fear? Beyond that, what a privilege we have!

See, angels often hide their face or their eyes, but we can draw near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). We can approach the throne with unveiled face (2 Corinthians 3:18). We have been justified by faith and granted access to his very presence (Romans 5:1-2). We get to call him Abba. He is near to us in ways that these mighty warriors will never experience. And just in case you’re tempted, don’t pity them. They were created for a purpose by God just as you are. Their function is different, but no less important. However, what a marvelous thought that these mighty creatures pale in comparison to Christ and that we do not need to hide our face. We have a safe space to pour out our hurt and need. We have a Comforter who will love and correct. We have a God who will accept us as we are and loves us enough to transform us into his likeness. Marvel in the privilege you have been given that even God’s most mighty creatures do not experience.