“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
(Hebrews 1:13-14)
God the Father assigned the position of highest honor, authority, and power to His Son, to sit at His right hand. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, no angel has ever been given such a position. Angels continually hover above and around the throne of God, praising, worshipping, and serving. But Christ sits enthroned at His right hand. This distinction of honor shows that the ascended, exalted Christ is sovereign Lord over all.
That Christ now sits at the right hand of God signifies His work of redemption is complete. As our High Priest, He offered one sacrifice for sins forever, and there remains no more offering to be made. The work that could never be completed by men or angels has been perfectly accomplished by Him. Therefore, the believer has reason to give thanks, for salvation is not uncertain or unfinished, but complete in Christ.[1]
This reality also signifies Christ’s dominion over all His enemies. They may still oppose Him, but they cannot overthrow Him. Their end is certain, and their defeat is already determined. God has promised that all His enemies shall be made His footstool, assuring the believer that nothing can ultimately prevail against Christ or His people. Every opposition, whether from sin, Satan, or the world, is under His sovereign rule.
Furthermore, Christ’s exaltation reveals the honor given to believers in Him. Those who are united to Christ are raised up together with Him and made to sit in heavenly places in Him. Though still on earth, we share in His victory and are counted as heirs of salvation. This is a privilege beyond all human understanding—that sinners should be brought into such nearness to God through Christ.
The ministry of angels further magnifies this grace. These glorious beings, who excel in strength and stand before God, are sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation. They are servants for our good, demonstrating the greatness of salvation that is given us in Christ, that even angels are appointed to serve those who belong to Him.
This truth should fill our hearts with thanksgiving. The believer is not left alone in the world, nor abandoned to his own strength. Christ reigns for him, intercedes for him, and governs all things for his good. Angels attend him, not visibly, but truly, according to the will of God. And all of this flows from the finished work and exalted position of Christ.
Moreover, Christ’s exaltation assures the believer of the final judgment. He who was once despised and rejected will come again as Judge. This judgment will be solemn, exact, and universal. Every secret thing will be brought to light, and every person will stand before Him. Yet for those who are in Christ, this is not a day of terror but of vindication. For there is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, let us gives thanks not only for what Christ has done, but for what He continues to do. He reigns, He intercedes, He rules, and He will return. His enemies will be subdued, His people will be gathered, and His glory will be revealed. This is the sure hope and present comfort of all who belong to Him.
Contemplations:
- Thankful for Christ’s Finished Work. Lord, I am grateful that Christ has finished the work of redemption. He left nothing undone, nor has He left my salvation uncertain. I bless You that He has offered one sacrifice for sins forever and now sits at Your right hand. Let me rest in this finished work, not seeking to add to it, but trusting fully in what He has accomplished for me.
- Thankful for Christ’s Sovereign Reign. Father, thank You that Christ reigns over all. Though there is now much disorder and opposition in the world, nothing is outside His control. All His enemies shall be made His footstool, and nothing can overturn His kingdom. Help me trust in His rule that I may live with confidence that all things are working according to Your purpose.
- Thankful for the Ministry of Angels. Lord, I am thankful that You appoint angels to minister to those who will inherit salvation. Though I do not see their work, I trust that You have ordered all things for my good. Let this truth strengthen my confidence in Your care, knowing that I am not left alone, but am upheld by Your providence in ways beyond my understanding.
- Thankful for Freedom from Condemnation. Father, I am thankful that Christ is the Judge of all, and that there is no condemnation due those who belong to Him. The One who will judge the world is the same One who died for me and intercedes for me. Let this truth quiet my fears and fill me with gratitude. Help me live in the assurance of this grace, and to look forward to that day with hope rather than dread.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
Gracious and exalted God, I come before You with a heart full of thankfulness for the glory of Christ and the salvation that is mine in Him. You have set Your Son at Your right hand, giving Him all honor, authority, and power. I am so grateful that His work is complete, that He accomplished all that was necessary for my redemption, and that He now reigns in glory.
Thank You that my salvation does not depend on my works, my strength, or my faithfulness, but upon the finished work of Christ. When I consider my weakness and sin, there is nothing in myself that could merit salvation. But when I look to Christ, I see a perfect Saviour, whose work is complete and whose righteousness is sufficient.
Thank You that Christ reigns over all things. Nothing in this world is outside His control. Though I may not understand all that You are doing, I trust that He governs all things for the good of His people. I am thankful that even the trials I face are under His authority, and that He uses them for my good and Your glory.
I thank You also for the unseen care You provide through Your providence. You appoint angels to minister to those who will inherit salvation, and though I do not see their work, I believe Your Word. I thank You that I am never alone, that I am always under Your watchful care.
Above all, I thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The One who will judge the world is my Redeemer and my Advocate. I therefore look forward to that day not with fear, but with hope and joy.
Lord, let my life be marked by continual thankfulness. Teach me to remember Your mercies, to trust Your promises, and to rejoice in Your grace.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Heb. 1:13-14:
Psalm 110:1; Matt. 22:44; Mark 12:36; 1 Cor. 15:25
[1] John Flavel, The Whole Works of the Reverend John Flavel, vol. 6 (London; Edinburgh; Dublin: W. Baynes and Son; Waugh and Innes; M. Keene, 1820), 189-190.
