[Jesus continued,] "Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."
—Matthew 18:10 NLT
This is one of those very interesting passages that we are tempted to make too much of. First, notice the angels are not called guardian angels and, in this verse, are not even said to be present with the children. Jesus' point is that the "little ones" (remember it's not just children, but also the helpless and needy and we as disciples are to be like the "little ones") have heavenly representatives in the presence of the Father himself. Don't denigrate these little ones; they're special to Jesus, the Father, and the angels before the throne of the Father. While we can talk about angels and their ministry, let's remember that even the least significant person in society is extremely significant to God who wants desperately to bring each one under his rule of grace.
Holy God, thank you so much for caring for everyone. I know you care greatly for me and have sacrificed so much to adopt me into your family. Give me the heart to share your compassion with those in need around me and help me to find the way to bring them into your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 18:10 NLT
Key Thought
This is one of those very interesting passages that we are tempted to make too much of. First, notice the angels are not called guardian angels and, in this verse, are not even said to be present with the children. Jesus' point is that the "little ones" (remember it's not just children, but also the helpless and needy and we as disciples are to be like the "little ones") have heavenly representatives in the presence of the Father himself. Don't denigrate these little ones; they're special to Jesus, the Father, and the angels before the throne of the Father. While we can talk about angels and their ministry, let's remember that even the least significant person in society is extremely significant to God who wants desperately to bring each one under his rule of grace.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, thank you so much for caring for everyone. I know you care greatly for me and have sacrificed so much to adopt me into your family. Give me the heart to share your compassion with those in need around me and help me to find the way to bring them into your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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