This is no time for nations to be worshiping idols.

March 3, 2013 Evening:

Title: Let all God's angels worship Him

Old Testament Passage: Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 97

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:13-14, Luke 9:26

Sermon Text: Hebrews 1:6 – … Let all God's angels worship Him

Sermon Point: Jesus is not below angels; He is worshiped by angels.

[6] And again,

There are so many wonderful passages in the Hebrew Bible that point to the glory of the Son of God. The author of this letter has already cited Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7, two very significant passages involving mysterious but important and central covenant promises of God given to Israel at the time of David.

Now the author turns to a more obscure fragment of a quotation that sends us to more than one passage, questions of the original text, and translation/interpretation issues regarding the Hebrew plural, “Elohim.” But then there are so many passages to choose from, and the author has a point to make for which these lesser known passages, as they were interpreted in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, make very interesting food for the mind and the Spirit.

when he brings the firstborn into the world,

Before we go to the phrase that is quoted, we should not miss the inspired author's context marker given to us. He says that the right way to think about the quotation that follows is in connection to the time when the Father brings the Son, the firstborn, into the world.

Even this time marker has at least three meanings. 1. The Father brought the Son into the world at the birth of the Son in Bethlehem. 2. The Father will bring the Son into the world in glory at the consummation of all things. 3. The Father has already started that consummation when He brought the Resurrection Son of Man into the world with the raising of Jesus of Nazareth. In all three of these intimately related events, the quotation below is very applicable.

Because the final result of the Father's eternal purpose is known from before the foundation of time and is sure forever, each step toward that divine eternal conclusion is a good time for everyone, everywhere, both men and angels, and even all creation, to worship the Son.

he says,
“Let all God's angels worship him.”

According to the ESV, God says through Moses in Deuteronomy 32:43, “Rejoice with him, O heavens, bow down to him all gods.” The standard Hebrew Text (MT) says, “Rejoice His people, O nations.” The Greek translation, perhaps reflecting an earlier textual tradition says, “Rejoice heavens before Him and worship Him all sons of God.” We should note that the terms “sons of God” and “Elohim” (God or gods), could be used to refer to angels.

God later speaks in Psalm 97:6-7,

“[6] The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
[7] All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!”

The Greek translation reads, “worship Him, all His angels.”

The author of Hebrews is using either Deuteronomy 32:43 or Psalm 97 to make from these rich texts a now clear point, that all earthly beings from all nations, and all the heavenly beings, certainly all mankind who have passed beyond this world, but also even all angels, should worship the Son of God. He is above all. He is God with God. The Father is not offended that everyone would worship the Son. He demands it.

Jesus is the Lord of heaven and earth. When He came into the world at His birth, the angels of God gave Him glory in the skies as the Savior, Christ, the Lord. (Luke 2:13-14) After His atoning death for us, when Jesus rose from the tomb, He was declared to be the Son of God in holiness. (Romans 1:4) His ascension into heaven was greeted by shouts acclaiming Him to be the King of glory (Psalm 24:7-10). He will come again with His holy angels, (Luke 9:26) and every knee will bow. (Philippians 2:9-11)

There is simply no one else that could win the worship of angels. All idol hosts and their demonic parasites must bow before Him. All enslaved gentile nations can find their release in His Name. All holy men and angels will gladly worship Him. He is coming. He will be exalted above all gods. We should listen to His voice now.