BEYOND THE ANGELS (by permission; chp 9 from Ray Prinzings Book - Whispers of His Call)

Chapter 9

"When He bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him. And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy kingdom. -- 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 1:6-8, 13-14].

The tremendous call which God has placed upon His people is often so awesome, so overwhelming in its scope, that at best we can only take brief glimpses into it -- viewing it by degrees -- only to discover that each new approach soon becomes so glorious, our limited minds cannot take it in. We can only pray, "Whatever our Father means by all this, that is what we desire He shall fulfill in us. Not according to our limited understanding, but according to His own magnificent purpose and plan for us." Such is our own response again as we ponder this call to go "Beyond the Angels."

The word "angel," malak in the Hebrew, aggelos in the Greek, simply means: a messenger, an agent.

Three times the word is used concerning John the Baptist, as in Matthew 11:10, "For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare the way before Thee."

It is also used concerning John's disciples. Luke 7:19, 24, "And John calling two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another?" They went, they conversed with Jesus, and returned to John with His answer. "And when the messengers (angels) of John were departed, He began to speak to the people concerning John."

John was referred to as an "aggelos-MESSENGER" going before the Lord. His own follower-disciples were referred to also as "aggelos-messengers," as they carried the question to Jesus, and took His answer back to John. So it requires the context to tell whether it is an earthly man, or a heavenly agent, which is that messenger -- that angel.

It has been written concerning man, "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honour; and didst set him over the works of Thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." [Hebrews 2:7-8].

For a specific time, and the outworking of His purpose, God has lowered humanity BELOW the realm of the angels. We actually find there are three dimensions spoken of in the Word of God. Man below the angels, man equal to the angels, and then man going BEYOND the angels.

There are three definite statements which are made in this passage in Hebrews, and there is a specific TIME PERIOD for the outworking of God's purpose in man in each of these dimensions.

First, we read, "Thou madest him a little lower than the angels." The margin reads, "a little while inferior to..." That is one time period.

Then, "Thou crownedst him with glory and honour; and didst set him over the works of Thy hands." That's another time period.

Thirdly, "Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet." That is yet another time period. The writer made it very clear that this is still future, saying, "But now we see NOT YET all things put under him." Except when we look unto Jesus -- and we see IN HIM the totality of the victory that shall be ours to share, as we receive the "prize" of our high calling in Him.

During our LOWERED STATE, subjected to vanity, man has often been in awe of the angels, needed their assistance, often misunderstood them, and even, betimes, wrongfully worshiped them.

In Hebrews 13:2, we are admonished to "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Abraham "sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; and he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him." [Genesis 18:1-2]. Being a gracious man, he ran to meet them, welcomed them, and invited them to share his hospitality. He had servants wash their feet, prepare them something to eat, and had them rest under the shade of a tree. By the time they finished their conversation and departed, Abraham realized that these were MESSENGERS sent from a higher realm. So when the men had left, we read that "Abraham stood yet before the Lord," [Gen. 18:22], and communed more directly with God concerning the events that were about to take place. These angels had alerted him to what was happening, and then Abraham addressed his own prayer beyond the angels, to converse directly with the Lord.

So also betimes, we discover that when God has brought to us some man or woman, and we graciously entertain them, after they have left we find that they also have been a MESSENGER OF GOD, having ministered to us in a special way, beyond the humanity realm of natural things. And we praise God for any ministry that comes to us through any of HIS messengers, whether it be of earthly men and women, or of a higher origin.

We need not, in this message, give examples and illustrations of unique visitations also -- where someone has appeared, helped an individual through an extreme time of stress, and then just as suddenly disappeared again. We praise God for such happenings, but the emphasis ought not to be on the angelic appearance, but on the MESSAGE BROUGHT, the help given, and then we give all glory and praise to our Lord for His victory.

There is a safe-guard which is essential concerning angels, when Paul writes, "Stop letting anyone, in gratuitous humility and worship of angels, defraud you as an umpire, for such a one is taking his stand on the mere visions he has seen, and is groundlessly conceited over his sensuous mind." [Colossians 2:18, Williams].

Every so often one comes along telling about their visions of angels, or of how they had some special experience where an angel appeared to them, and they received some special revelation from this angel, so they try and persuade you to join in with them and worship the realm of angels. But it will also be found that these men are out to build their own kingdoms, or exalt their own spiritual reputation by these angelic visitations which they claim, and actually end up turning your eyes away from the Lord Himself. In fact, Paul gets so bold as to declare, they will defraud you, rob you, take away from you a single eye unto the Lord, as they seek to bend your will to the support of their own plans. And may God truly give us discernment, whether it is a true messenger of God, drawing us closer to Him, or if is of man, for the furtherance of his own schemes.

It is also to be observed that the ministry of angels, marvelous as it is, is a vital part of the OLD ECONOMY -- of the first covenant realm. "For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world (Greek, habitable earth) to come, whereof we speak." [Hebrews 2:5].

Peter writes that "we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." [2 Peter 3:13]. Of that realm, we say, God has NOT put it in subjection to the angels. They are a SERVANT MINISTRY, and they belong to this present realm, they are NOT destined to rule. Angelic level is not a rulership level. But they are a precious MINISTRY realm, to help man in his progressive journey to come into the fullness of that which God has appointed for him.

In no way would we belittle, or think down, this realm of angels. Indeed, we praise God for every MESSAGE, and MESSENGER which He sends to us for our growth and development. And while we would keep our eyes only upon Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith, we praise God for ALL His servants, and the blessings which we receive through them. We dare not despise their time and order. But we now see that when God has brought forth His first fruit company of overcomers, which shall sit down with Him in His throne, they will have attained a realm BEYOND the angels.

"For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;" [Hebrews 2:2], then we do well to be careful how we respond to these messengers of God. Discern whether it be "of God" or "of men," and when you know it is OF GOD, be swift to obey. Certainly "obedience is better than sacrifice." And we would not miss out on the workings of God, by ignoring those messengers which HE sends.

But herein came our surprise as the Spirit begin to open our understanding to these things. Acts 7:53, "Who have received the law by the disposition ( Of; arrangement) of angels."

The whole first order of the LAW was given by, ushered in by the angels. Set in order and carried out by angelic visitation. No wonder He speaks of a realm beyond the angels. And those who insist on staying under the regime of the old order of the law, will be staying UNDER the realm of angels, while God leads a remnant of His people into the new covenant which is established by a higher order, namely, BY HIS SON, and to be executed through His sons. Angels ushered in the first order, the SONS will be apart of bringing in the glory of the second order.

"The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; He shined forth from mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints: from His right hand went a fiery law for them." [Deuteronomy 32:2].

It was time for the giving of the law, "And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire... And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings..." [Exodus 19:18, 20:18]. As He DESCENDED He brought with Him ten thousands of (saints) MESSENGERS, both to set forth the law, and to carry it out. From Sinai until now, we have had those messengers which layout the law, tell you how to live it, and continue to impart those words which would gird us up to the law of God. Don't despise this realm, it was GOD'S PROVISION for a time. And as long as He has placed us UNDER the angels, we need that ministry which will gird us up to the law of the Lord. Truly, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." [Psalm 19:17). Yet, perfect as the law was, it could not make man perfect, because of the arrangement, of the service, of the ministration. It "could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." [Hebrews 9:9], for it was ministered FROM WITHOUT, not from within. Angels come to us from without. But THE SON comes to DWELL WITHIN, and shall fulfill the new covenant by His INDWELLING LIFE.

It is to be noted that the realm of REST is not associated with the angels. "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].

Furthermore, we also read "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works (MINISTRIES) do follow them." [Revelation 14:13].

"Who maketh His angels (messengers) spirits." [Psalm 104:4].

Now we see a progression. Man, who has been UNDER the angels, receiving of their ministry while he walks through this realm of toil, if he "dies in the Lord," that is, has grown in his spiritual stature to where the LORDSHIP of Christ is a reality in his life, he is then promoted -- to rest from his labours, earth toil, wearying works of the natural, and now become a part of that SPIRIT COMPANY of messengers. Their works, ministry-service, follows them, and they join the ranks of angels who continue to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.

I do believe that those who love God, who have fully surrendered to DO and BECOME the will of God, while they were UNDER the angels, that upon death to the natural body, they are released from this lower realm, and now become a part of the angelic realm, as their ministry is more freely expressed in the realm of the Spirit. Whatever ministry we have as "earthen vessels," I am sure it is much greater once we are released from this body, and able to move more freely through the spirit realms.

"We also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses," as we read in Hebrews 12:1, of those who have been tested and tried and purified during their earthly sojourn. Having overcome those situations which God had appointed them, now as we are faced with similar testings, and cry out to the Lord for His help, does He not send to us these "ministering spirits" to aid us along our journey? I do believe so! We will not look for these saints. We will not pray to these saints. We will look only unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith. But we realize HE can send whomever He pleases to be our help, and certainly can use those who have been through the trial, to "comfort us in all our tribulation," with the comfort wherewith they also were once "comforted of God." [2 Corinthians 1:4]. We will not worship and glorify these ministering spirits, but we will worship and praise GOD for giving us help, regardless of the instruments which He uses, be they seen, or unseen.

So we see that there is a progression, from being "under the angels," to becoming a part of that realm of ministry, to be "with the angels."

To refresh our memory, we will briefly touch upon some of the ministry of angels as given in the Scripture. Numbers 22:22-35 gives the record of Balaam being asked by Balak to come and curse Israel, for Balak was afraid of this people passing through his area. Balaam asked the Lord if he should go and do this cursing, and God said, "No." But as Balak kept sending more of his servants to urge Balaam to come, finally God said to Balaam, "If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou speak." Not because God changed His mind about Balaam's going, God knew all along that he would be going, for God purposed to turn this into an opportunity to FURTHER BLESS HIS PEOPLE, and all of this was an extreme dealing in Balaam to bring him to that point where he would only bless them.

So Balaam saddled up his ass and they start the journey, and going around the bend of the road the ass beholds an angel in the road, and so turns aside into the field. And Balaam smites her a blow and turns her back into the way. But next the angel, with drawn sword, is standing in a narrow place between two walls, so the ass thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall, and he smote her again. Once more the angel moved farther down the road, to a narrow place with no place to turn, and this time the ass, seeing the angel, falls right down in the way. Eventually the Lord opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel himself, and the angel says to him, 'Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? Behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me." Now, "Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak."

Methinks if we only realized it, a lot of times God has used a wife, or a husband, the children, your boss at work, your neighbours, etc. to protect us from the heavy sword of the Lord in the hand of an angel, and all we did was re-act like Balaam, and become angry with them for their actions toward us, because they were frustrating us in our own plans. But perhaps we had best leave that thought for the Lord to apply, and go on with our message.

Certainly by now Balaam understood that he was only to speak what the Lord gave him to speak, and he very carefully followed that course, even when Balak became very angry with him. He knew that it was better to obey God, than man. And we would do well to remember that also!

The angel of the Lord appeared unto Gideon, with the commission to lead his people out from the bondage of the Midianites. Gideon also made a very special offering and spread it out upon a rock, "Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight." [Judges 6:21].

Manoah, and his wife, Samson's parents, were likewise visited by an angel, and told of this child they would have, and how to raise him. They also laid their offering out upon a rock, and "when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar." [Judges 13:20].

These were indeed beautiful visitations from the Lord, as the messengers came to them with a specific word concerning the future events, and then having spoken that word, departed again -not to be worshiped by man, but to return to God for their next assignment. And how often have we, perhaps, wished for just such a visitation -- a clear word of instruction. But God would dwell within us BY HIS SPIRIT, and direct our lives from within, as He would lead us beyond the realm of angels, beyond dependency upon a Word from without, to living out of HIS LIFE WITHIN .

David also had a specific experience with an angel, after having gone against the commandment of the Lord, and numbering the children of Israel. First God sent a visible messenger, a man, "Gad, David's seer," with a choice of three different punishments, saying, "Choose thee either three years' famine; or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtake thee; or else three days of the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel." [1 Chronicles 21:12]. It was a great strait to be in, but David responded, "Let me fall now into the hand of the Lord,. for very great are His mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man." [verse 13].

So the Lord sent the pestilence, and the angel to destroy, "And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a sword drawn in his hand..." [ verse 16].

Why do we find so many swords in the hand of so many angels throughout the Scripture? Because they move under a dispensation of law, introduced by angels, enforced by angels, and whoever did not obey received a just recompense for their disobedience. Here is the Word of the Lord, obey it, or else! And it is amazing how many people still desire to operate in this low dimension. They desire to utter the Word of the Lord, and then hasten to back it up with the wielding of a sword, calling down fire, executing judgments (which to them are only punishments, not true correctional chastenings).

Praise God, He has a remnant who are hearing a HIGHER CALL. They see a dimension far beyond the drawn sword. Jesus said to the man. "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." [Matthew 26:52]. There is afar higher realm of mercy and true compassion, love and forgiveness, and it belongs to the realm of the sons of the Most High God. Beyond the "angel with a drawn sword," shall come a people filled with His holiness, filled with His love, and out of their innermost being shall flow quickening streams of divine life for all men. "Not imputing their trespasses unto them," [2 Corinthians 5:19], and therefore not needing a sword. If you do not charge a man with guilt, you do not have to administer the consequence of a broken law.

Praise God, we hear the CALL of a realm beyond the "broken law," and it is when the Spirit of Christ dwells within, lives out His holiness, and thus fulfills all the righteousness of the law. His INTERNAL-LIFE-VICTORY is far beyond the realm of angels with swords, to enforce the law from without.

But even during this dispensation of the law, angel's swords, etc. we find that David could reach beyond and trust into the mercies of the Lord. And so after three days of the action of the sword, the Lord said, "It is enough." We are persuaded that God will never correct you with one stroke beyond that which is needed for your purification, even under this present dispensation. Therefore we are enthralled with the MERCIES OF THE LORD!

The circumstances were beautifully arranged by God whereby in due time Daniel ended up in the lion's den. King Darius spent a very sleepless night worrying about Daniel, and very early in the morning went to see how things were going. "And the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever: My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lion's mouths, that they have not hurt me." [Daniel 6:20-22].

Not always are our experiences as pronounced as this, yet I am sure, if our eyes were opened to see, we would be amazed at how many times along the way God has sent His angels for our protection and care -- lest we be devoured by the situations which overtake us. Yet let it remain clear in our hearts, the emphasis is not on the fact that the angel came, but on "MY GOD." We would keep our eyes single to Him at all times, for HE is our Keeper. Amen.

At the time of Jesus' birth, while the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night, out in the field, "Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.." [Luke 2:9], for it was time for the message to be announced, that "Unto you is born this day... A SAVIOUR, which is Christ the Lord (The anointed of God)." And as long as there is need for us to have this message, praise God, HE has a MESSENGER to bring us the glad tidings. Yet is it not true, that once the FULLNESS OF THE CHRIST is within us, we have gone beyond the need for angels to announce to us a Saviour?

At the time of His death, when the man was ready to join the ranks of the angels with their drawn swords, and defend Jesus, after He told him to put up his sword, He also said, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?" [Matthew 26:53].

When Jesus "Made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men," [Philippians 2:7] we find that He also was made "lower than the angels." He knew what it was to be UNDER THE ANGELS, and have the angels come and ministered unto Him. Even as we read, after that great temptation in the wilderness, "Then the devil leaveth Him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto Him." [Matthew 4:11]. And He knew that there was this angelic realm in readiness at all times to come to His aid, but He did not go around asking for angels' help, but He kept His eye upon His Father who was above the angels. And when the purpose of the Father had been fulfilled IN and THROUGH Him, He was exalted "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion..." [Ephesians 1:21].

Let us not become so captivated by this intermediate realm, so that even while we are UNDER the angels, we do not see beyond this realm. It is truly a high, holy, heavenly calling that leads us beyond the angels, to be heirs together with Christ Jesus of glories unspeakable.

At the time of the resurrection, we find that "the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, "to reveal the fact that the grave was now empty, He had indeed risen, [Matthew 28:2], But again we ask, once the inworkings of God have brought us into the very reality of His resurrection life, need we this ministry of angels?

The time came when the apostles were put in prison, "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth." [Acts 5:19].
Peter was cast into prison, between two soldiers, bound with two chains, when "the angel of the Lord came upon him," [Acts 12:7] and brought him forth.

Ah, this is all so tremendous! I am sure there are times when we all wished we had more of this ministry demonstrated in our own lives -- times of a miracle deliverance, times when a clear message of direction brought to us, times of divine visitation which elevates our hearts to greater things. Yet we perceive that GOD IS DISCIPLINING AND PREPARING A PEOPLE FOR SO MUCH MORE -- a realm that goes beyond the ministry of angels unto them. So He does not always give us angelic visitations to bring us out of situations, but He works in us to BRING US THROUGH THEM, overcomers by His grace!

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven." [Mark 13:32]. God has a day planned which the angels have no understanding concerning its time, or working. So while I would like to have an angelic visitation, what I really want to know -- ABOUT HIS TIMES, the angels cannot tell me.

"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." [1 Peter 1:11-12].

How soon on the horizon shall we behold that which our heart desires? THE ANGELS CANNOT TELL US. Only the indwelling Christ can bring us to that hour of fulfillment, therefore we must keep our eyes on Him -- the Finisher of our faith.

God will not reveal that which belongs to the NEW COVENANT, and allow the angels to minister those blessed realities in mixture with the law of the old covenant. So there are SECRETS IN GOD which are beyond the angels. Yet they are also, in fragments, being quickened in the hearts of those who are being called to go beyond the angels, as we learn to KEEP GOD'S SECRETS, and walk softly before Him. There is a realm which bears a sword, but that which belongs to a higher realm will never be administered by a sword dispensation" And that is why there are so few in this hour which are receiving a glimpse into the age to come, because they are yet far too heavy into the operation of the sword. But He is preparing a people which shall be a part of that glory about to be revealed -- things which the angels desired to look into, but were not able, for it was not a part of their realm. There shall be a new order, the enchristed new man of His creation.

Hebrews 2:16 tells us that Jesus "took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham." That He might take hold of him who was lower than the angels, and lift him to a realm above the angels, to be with Him WHERE HE IS.

The Greek word for the words "took on" is "epilambanetai," a verb that means: to take hold of, lay hold of. By a metaphor drawn from the laying hold of another to rescue him from peril, so the word comes to mean: TO LAY HOLD OF FOR THE PURPOSE OF HELPING.

Christ came, not to provide salvation for fallen angels, but for fallen MAN. So Wuest translates this verse, "He does not take hold of angels for the purpose of helping them, but of the seed of Abraham He takes hold, with a view of succoring them." Praise His name!

Then, there shall be a RESTORATION, a reconciliation of all, including the angels, wrought through His enchristed man, whom He raises up to share His throne, and through whom His purposes shall be administered. Thus Paul writes, "Know ye not that we shall judge angels." [1 Corinthians 6:3].
"God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." [2 Peter 2:4]. As also we read in Jude 6, "The angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation. He hath reserved in everlasting (Greek aionian) chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."

God does purpose a time of judgment for these angels -- that corrective in working which brings forth a restoration. And who executes that judgment? "To execute upon them the judgments written: this honour have all His saint." [Psalm 149:9].

And this much we are persuaded of, when it comes time to "judge the angels," it will not be with a sword. That dispensation will be forever ended, and the reality of the outworking of God in the new covenant will be in effect -- first IN man, and then THROUGH man. Surely these are realms far beyond our present understanding -- yet they are realms to which we have been CALLED. Wonderful as this past dispensation and ministration has been, it has no glory, "in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth." [2 Corinthians 3:10].

"Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, THOU ART MY SON, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son." [Hebrews 1:4-5].

Yes, this is spoken of concerning THE SON, our Lord Jesus Christ. But it is also written, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be My son..." [Revelation 21:7], for He is bringing forth a people conformed to His image, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren. Praise God!

Truly, that is a realm beyond the angels. In view of such a calling, 'We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." [Hebrews 2:1].

Amid the purposes of God
Through ages wrought for man,
Is one that challenges our thought,
So glorious is His plan!

How He would lower for a time
This creature of His love,
Inferior to the angels, and
Oft' far from things above.

Then institute for them a law,
By angels ushered in,
Upheld by justice' mighty sword,
A recompense for sin.

Yet praise the Lord for messengers
That He doth send our way,
For every help and miracle
To bless our present day.

Till by His process we ascend
To join their ranks, and be
A spirit sent to minister
By His sov'reign decree.

But there's a realm yet higher still,
Better than angels, where
The Son doth reign in victory,
His life and love to share.

A ministration of the new,
A covenant whereby
He shall indwell, and be our all,
To fully satisfy.

Then from this realm of His own life,
His sons shall judge the world,
And angels, too, of lost estate,
New mercies are unfurled.

For in the ages yet to come
We'll see myst'ries unfold,
The higher purposes of God,
So great -so manifold.

The lesser realms must now give way
To better things in view.
I But praise the Lord for every step
I In making all things new.

Below -equal -and then beyond
The angels, we are called,
Who yet can comprehend this truth?
We stand amazed, enthralled.

But He who gives the call is He
Who also shall fulfill.
We cast ourselves upon His grace,
How marvelous is His will!

Ray Prinzing