September 11 | Hebrews 1:7, Psalm 104:1-4

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DAILY READING

Hebrews 1:7, Psalm 104:1-4

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REFLECTION

The Writing on the Wall

By Judy Webb

He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.  (Psalm 104:4 NIV)

In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” (Hebrews 1:7) 

The Bible, especially Psalms and Proverbs, are filled with symbolism and imagery. The walls of caves of Biblical times often boasted a type of word-picture to relate history or a battle from years ago. Our Scriptures are rife with picturesque depictions of antiquity, and of stories. In fact, these visuals allow the walls to come alive! Tales are considered exciting and curious tracking from Genesis to Revelation, and peppered with allegory.

The cave walls can be considered our first picture-books. Do you recall a favorite? Mine is, “Are You My Mother?” This is a timeless message of a child’s love for its mother, or baby bird in this case. With each new character this little one meets, he asks the same question? “Are You My Mother?”

Cave drawings take us through history, one century at a time. As we traverse such caves, we learn about God, ourselves in relation to God, and we are encouraged to embrace these new ideas. Perhaps a new fresh take on faith. Throughout scripture God employs a rich tapestry of signs to convey deep spiritual truth. But in a simpler way, one that allows new believers to study, read, and discover application from the hieroglyphics on ancient walls. 

We stumble upon this symbolism in Hebrews 1:7 and Psalm 104:4, hinting that messengers are angels sent by God for the purpose of worshipping Him. God rules over the angels, equipping and commissioning them as it pleases Him. By Him we mean the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We understand that Jesus is better than the prophets, angels and Moses. We never worship angels, but we constantly worship Jesus. We are to focus on Jesus and His authority—in an age which grapples with authority. Jesus is…Creator, He’s Divine, Redeemer, God’s only Son, Annointed One, Eternal, First Born, Superior, Dominant, we could go on.

Remember, the God who speaks sometimes uses pages of children’s books or even the wall of an ancient cave to tell a story.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, Remind us always to focus on You, Your Glory, Your Purpose, Your Presence, Your Loving way. We need only to worship you always. We can following the Sacred writings, be they in our Bibles or on the walls. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.