“Ten Thousand Angels” has been a beloved hymn for sixty-five years. In fact, it has always been one of my favorites. It is hard to find a better song to put into perspective the tremendous personal sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The song is based on our Lord’s statement in Matthew 26:53, where He rebukes Peter, saying, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” The hymn takes us step-by-step through the physical and emotional tortures Jesus endured, though at any time, He could have called 10,000 angels to halt His suffering. It is a beautiful expression of the incredible obedience, mercy, and love shown by our Lord.
Now, have you ever considered, “What if Jesus really did choose the angels instead of the cross?” What would have happened to mankind? The answer helps us truly appreciate the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice.
When you think of angels coming to rescue Jesus, the story of Elisha against the Syrians in 2 Kings 6 might come to mind. The city in which Elisha was residing was surrounded by the Syrians. One of Elisha’s young servants became fearful, but when Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened, he saw an army of angels on their side. “And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17). What a sight that must have been! Had the Syrians seen such a force, they would have run away in fear. Had Jesus called the angels, mankind wouldn’t stand a chance against them. But, the reality of that choice is far more terrifying.
If Jesus called 10,000 angels, there would be nothing to satisfy God’s wrath against sin. If “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) and “…the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), then our reward should be eternal punishment (2 Thess. 1:9). But, “…God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Thess. 5:9).
Thanks be to God that Jesus did not call 10,000 angels. Because Jesus did give Himself to die in our stead, we have hope. We have hope for those who die in Christ (1 Thess. 4:13). And we have hope for our own salvation. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Pet. 1:3).
He could have called 10,000 angels. But, He didn’t. He died alone for you and me. Let us live as those who have hope.