In Matthew 18:10 we find a passage that may bring question about the role of angels. Although the Bible does not teach a doctrine of “Guardian angels” many people believe that they have one assigned to them and would point to this verse as proof.
“See that you do not
despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven
continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 NASB
The context of our
discussion is not to unpack the biblical teaching on angels. In fact regardless
of where you come down on the specific ministry and work of angels, they are
not the topic of this passage; believers are. The subject of this verse has to
do with being careful to not despise the “little ones.” It teaches the dignity
and significance of the believer in God’s eyes irrespective of any hierarchy established
among believers. A new believer is as important in the Kingdom of God as the
most influential ministry leader.
One of the ministries of
angels, and that is what they do –ministry, or you might say “carry out the
Word of God”- is to minister to believers. (“Are they not all ministering
spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit
salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 NASB) That work of ministering spirits is of supreme
value as they are dispatched by God to assist God’s children for whom His Son
gave His life. We might think of them as caretakers assigned to help raise and
tutor the children of our great King. These individuals hold a very high place
and have, “a degree of familiarity which even the highest state ministers dare
not assume.” (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary on Matthew 18:10)
Therefore, they are continually before the Father to receive His instructions
concerning their special charge.
The point is not the
esteem of the minister but the high regard of the charge. So do the angels
think you are special? I think they do, but far more importantly God does.
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