13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET”? 14 Are they not all minis-tering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

As great as angels are, they are not in the same league as “The Son.” In all that the Scripture teaches about them, there is never any indication that angels take a position of privilege next to God. They fly around His throne (Isaiah 6:2), but they do not sit on the throne. One tried to rise above God, to possess a throne higher than His (Isaiah 14:13), but only the Son was invited to sit beside God.

One of the literary characteristics of the book of Hebrews is the use of repetition for emphasis. The idea of the Son sitting at the right hand of the Father is found in Hebrew 1:3 our passage today, and 8:1, 10:12, 12:2. Taken from Psalm 110, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the kingship of Christ, He reigns from His throne, at the right hand of His father. Angels serve at the throne, but Christ sits on the throne.

Christ is pictured has having completed the work given to Him to do, and now the Father will finish His work of subduing all creation, particularly the enemies of God. The picture here is one of the King sending out His emissaries, who fulfill His wishes.

In making the point that Christ is greater than the angels, the author conveys much more. The enemies of God, those who resist God’s work here on earth and even in the unseen angelic world will one day be completely subjected. What a reassuring truth for the Jewish believers (the primary audience for this book), who were being persecuted and pressured to abandon the way of Grace and return to the old, worn out life under the Law. Hold on! We know by faith that Christ reigns supreme, but there continues to be spiritual rebellion in the world. However, one day they will all be subdued, they will become merely the Son’s footstool.

In the end, even the enemies of God serve a purpose, as pictured by their providing the place for the Son to rest His feet. Yes, the enemies of God will even evoke the praise of God. “Every knee shall bow … and tongue confess” (Phil 2:20). They may mean it for evil, but God means it for good (see Gen 50:20). All the heavens and earth will be seen as being full of God’s glory. Yes, there is coming a time when all things will be consummated in Christ.

Lord, though I struggle at times to find spiritual help in the wrong places, thank You that the victory of Christ is a done deal. I will patiently await the outcome.