THE ROLE OF ANGELS

But to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14, NRSV )

Devotion 10 of 11

AN INTEREST IN LITTLE ONES

Angels also have an appointed interest in our "little ones." This is a blessed consideration, particularly for parents that are alert to the dangers of "this present evil world." "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt 18:10). " . . . their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" (NIV). The "little ones" in reference are those receiving the kingdom "as a little child." However, the reference to divine protection is not limited to them. Not only is their reception of the kingdom likened to that of a child, but their appointed protection is also similar. There is not a lot of information in Scripture on this subject, and there does not need to be. The protection of the babe Moses and the innocents protected by the Egyptian midwives confirm heaven's interest in little ones. This protection reached its apex in the care of the babe Jesus, in which angels were very prominent.

AT THE DEATH OF THE SAINTS

I find this to be a most pleasant consideration. Angelic hosts will remain our ministers in our death. They will not abandon us when we face the "last enemy," praise the Lord! Our Lord's account of the death of Lazarus "the beggar" confirms this to be the case. "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried" (Luke 16:22).

What marvelous benefits must have attended the beggar's angelic accompaniment to paradise! Surely he quickly forgot the sufferings endured in the world. I do not know of the dialog that must have passed between them, but it was surely significant. Angels met and talked with Abraham, Hagar, Lot, Jacob, Moses, Balaam, Joshua, Gideon, Manoah, David, Elijah, Elisha, Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, Zecharias, the shepherds, Peter, Philip, Cornelius, Paul, and John. Surely they continue to speak during the saints transition to the unseen realm!

What consistent ministers are the angels of God! They relate to us coming into the kingdom. They support us as we grow in grace in truth. And, they will be with us when we die. They will come back with Jesus, and will gather us together to forever be with Him. It is because they are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."

BELIEVERS TO BE CONSCIOUS OF THEM

Those enamored of the world try and make us conscious of people; men of God remind us of the angels! "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" (1 Tim 5:21). Solomon said it well, "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?" (Eccl 5:6). When admonishing women on the matter of divine order, Paul gave the presence of angels as an incentive to subduing the flesh. "For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head" (1 Cor 11:10).

The general lack of awareness of this condition is reason enough to remind the church of it. We may disappoint one another from time to time, but we had better not disappoint God, Christ, the Spirit, or the heavenly host. If the angels are our ministers, we do well to not offend them!

VISIT HUMANITY INCOGNITO

It is not wise to probe into the secret workings of angels beyond what has been revealed. Enough has been made known to us, however, to bolster our confidence and assist us in developing spiritual alertness. Take this word, for example; (Heb 13:2). "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" Both Abraham and
Lot "entertained angels unawares." The Spirit admonishes us to remember these events when visited by those unknown to us. This passing reference to angels confirms that we have been joined to a vast and active company of spirits. While Satan labors to emphasize the seen, the Spirit summons us to sober consideration of the unseen world. No amount of carnal speculation or explanation can neutralize the power of this admonition: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (NIV).

PRAYER POINT: Father, with joyfulness I thank You for the involvement of angels with me in both life and death. I acknowledge, and am grateful for, their protection of the children, and their ministry to the saints. In Jesus' name, give me grace to conduct my life so as to minister to them of the greatness of Your matchless grace.

--TOMORROW: INSTRUMENTAL IN SATAN'S EXPULSION FROM HEAVEN--
-- TUESDAY: New Series, SOMETHING BETTER --