“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10
January 26, 2024
At Christmas time our culture is reintroduced to angels in a unique way. First, there is the angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream to explain the pregnancy of Mary and birth of Jesus. An angel named Gabriel visited Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:20; Lk. 1:26-35). And we must not forget Clarence, who we are told, was George Bailey’s guardian angel. Clarence is Hollywood’s invention (movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”). But this presents the question, do Christians have a guardian angel? The disciples of Jesus are told, at the minimum, that angels are involved in the life of the church (Heb. 1:14). We are to be encouraged by the fact that God’s angels are concerned for the well-being of believers. This is one reason why Christians are to be careful how they treat one another. Don’t overlook, “do not despise one of these little ones.” One of the ministries of angels is to watch over and protect believers, as one commentator has put it, “It is extremely serious to treat any fellow believer with contempt” (“The MacArthur Study Bible”). Though we are not to become preoccupied with angels in day to day life, God has ordained them to serve Him. God is the one who is finally responsible for our protection and well-being. Angels are only messengers. We have no biblical authorization for talking to angels or directing them to do things. Angels show the greatness of God’s love and plan for us. Rejoice in that.
H
“Thank you, Sovereign Lord, for your ever watchful eye on all the affairs of my life. Thank you for protecting me from the harm that could have come to me. I will praise you forever for your faithfulness in guiding me through the dangers of living in a fallen world.”