Psalm 103:20-21
“Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.  Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.”

Luke 22:41-44
“[Jesus] withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’  An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Matthew 28:2-3, 5-6a, 7a
“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were as white as snow…The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.  There you will see him.’”

Lord of the heavenly hosts, your glory is reflected in the dazzling brightness of your messengers.

In Gethsemane’s dark hour a servant restrained his powerful legions, though he saw his Lord stained with agony.  At the empty tomb an angel proclaimed your good news with radiant joy.

May we be obedient to your will and your word—to trust the supremacy of your work and to bear witness as it is accomplished.

In the name of Christ we ask this, heaven’s greatest servant and our glorious hope.

Listen to ‘Beneath the Cross’ featuring Sandra McCracken and Derek Webb