CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, NASB)

Devotion 19 of 24

HEAVEN WATCHES OVER THEM

The ministration of heaven to its citizens is marvelous. "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).

I do not think this is confined to infants, or little children. They are doubtless involved, but I question this is the Lord's primary reference. On one occasion, Hagar and her son Ishmael had been thrust from the house of Abraham. Ishmael had mocked Isaac, the child of promise, and was therefore expelled with his mother from the household. This was done according to the word of the Lord (Gen 21:12). Before long, Hagar and her son used up the water and bread provided by Abraham. In despair Hagar sat about a bowshot away from her son, saying "Let me not see the death of the child." At this point, there came Divine intervention. The manner in which it came is arresting, and serves to illuminate our text. "And God heard THE VOICE OF THE LAD; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard THE VOICE OF THE LAD where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink" (Gen 21:17-19).

If God heard the voice of young Ishmael, and provided for his care through a holy angel, what must be said of His care for those who are in Christ Jesus--who have come to Him in a childlike and trusting spirit?

In the beginning of this particular discourse, Jesus set the tone for our understanding. "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me" (Matt 18:4-5). The "such child" is the one who receives the Kingdom. The point was not only the little child before Jesus, but the frame of spirit the child depicted. When our Lord "called a little child unto Him," the child came. He did not command that the child be brought to him, but "called" him to Himself. That is the kind of spirit that endears the individual to the Lord of glory.

Of these "little" children, whether taken to mean children in the flesh or in the Spirit (they both have the sensitivity to come when they are called), Jesus said, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matt 18:6). Legion is the name of the offenders of "little ones," both in the body and in the Spirit. The position of those guilty of such abuses is frightening to consider. Men are not capable of conceiving the enormity of the punishment to be visited on such people!

These "little ones" include those so regarded by the world--those who have come to Jesus. These, though despised by the world, are honored in heaven! They are citizens of heaven. Of them is said, "their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." All of the involvements of that circumstance have not been delineated in Scripture, but they must be extensive.

The very angels of God have been appointed as their ministers (Heb 1:13-14). These angels are always looking to the Father for direction in the care of His children. As it is written, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them" (Psa 34:7). They are eager to benefit them, protect them, and rally to their aid.

We are citizens of heaven, and heavenly hosts watch over us. Our Father in heaven has His eye upon us, and His ear is open to our cry (Psa 34:15). The intercession of Christ is in our behalf, and He is in heaven (Heb 7:25). How blessed to be a citizen of "a better country, that is, a heavenly" (Heb 11:16).

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus for such an extensive and effectual ministry to me from heaven!

-- Tomorrow: HEAVEN KNOWS US --