Sent Ones

Tonight, as I was reading the book of Hebrews, I saw something I never saw before in this verse on angelic beings:
"Are they not ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14)

Sent out. Some of my friends who have the seer gifting, or move in the gift of prophecy, see angels in our meetings. Many times this is in church. But they have also seen angels with us once when we were simply praying and ministering to a friend in one of our homes. It is awesome that they are with us. And it struck me, that God sent these angels out. If I were them, perhaps I would prefer to stay in heaven, by the side of the Lord Almighty. But God in His love, sent them out to earth, to serve those who are to inherit salvation.

The Holy Spirit reminded me that we, believers, are also Sent Ones.

And I was really excited to read in a note by Campus Crusade on the Internet on why this is important. Why did Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-8 say "Here I am, Send me" rather than "I will go?"

The note says this is because Sent Ones have the following characteristics:
1. Sent Ones go in the power, authority and presence of God (Matthew 28:18-20)
2. Sent Ones carry the message of the sender (2 Cor 5:16-20)
3. Sent Ones are empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit (Acts)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." –Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)