RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-02-19	Do We Have A Guardian Angel? (Mt.18:10)
		Mat 18:10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. The context of Matthew 18 of the “these little ones” may refer back to those who believe in Him (v.6) or the little children (v.3-5). Scripture does teach that good angels do help protect us (Da.6:20-23; 2Ki.6:13-17). Angels reveal important information we need to know (Lk.1:11-20; Ac.7:52-53). Angels are seen giving guidance (Mt.1:20-21; Ac.8:8:26). They are even seen providing for man (Ge.21:17-20; 1Ki.19:5-7). Importantly, we know angels minister to believers in general (He.1:14). The question is whether each person, or each believer, has an angel assigned to him or her. We know the nation of Israel had Michael the Archangel assigned to them (Da.10:21; 12:1). The Jews did develop a doctrine of guardian angels some time between the Old and New testaments. Angels were sometimes sent to individuals, but Scripture nowhere states that an angel is “assigned” to an individual on any permanent basis. Jesus refers to “their” little ones, which is a collective pronoun and so refers to the fact that believers are served by angels in general. These angels are pictured as “always” watching the face of God so as to hear His commission to them to help a believer as needed. These angels do not appear to be guarding a person as much as being attentive to the Father in heaven. The oversight appears to be done by God, not the angels. God is One who is watching us. God is omniscient, and sees every believer at every moment. He alone knows when to commission an angel to intervene on our behalf. The “angels” Jesus refers to are seeing the face of God, and so are always ready when God sends them. We cannot say with scriptural confidence whether each believer is assigned a permanent angel. But again, God does use angels to minister to believers. We do not know how often we need their assistance. (Okay some of us may need them more than others, but I digress). God uses angels, and He uses us to accomplish His purpose. He does not “need” them (angels) or us (believers) to accomplish His, but He uses them nonetheless. If we are His children through faith in Christ, we know God works “all things together for good” (Ro.8:28-30). Plus we have great assurance that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us (He.13:5-6). Heb 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." Heb 13:6 So we may boldly say: "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" Knowing God is for us, does it really matter whether or not there is a finite guardian angel assigned to protect us. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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