Today's verse tells of the struggle Jesus had in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before He was to be crucified.
The horrifying thought of sin being laid on Him caused Him great anguish, so He prayed to His Father for help. An angel appeared and strengthened Him so He could continue on the Father's chosen path.
Jesus was also visited by angels following His temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11).
An angel visited Elijah and ministered to him in order to prepare him for a long journey (1 Kings 9:4-8).
An angel visited Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego after they were thrown into the furnace. When Nebuchadnezzar saw that they were not injured and that a fourth person was walking around with them, he called them out and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3:25-28 )
Angels came to Lazarus when he died, and “carried” him into God’s eternal presence. (Luke 16:22)
Angels have responsibility to people who die in Jesus. No Christian dies alone. Angels appear to strengthen and provide for them.
So, as we read the Scriptures, we see that there are a number of functions for angels with regard to God's people.
If we're followers of Jesus, we can pray and ask for strength. We can pray that angels will come and give us what we need. And when we come to the end of our journey, and prepare to enter the Lord’s presence, angels will be there to help us on our way.
Isn't it remarkable to consider that angels are so busy assisting the people of God?
Ask yourself if you've experienced the blessing of an angel's visit when praying through a difficult situation.
Did you suddenly discover the strength to fight against the current of this life?
Did you sense that you really could resist that sinful temptation?
Do you find your path easier when you look to the Lord for help?
If you haven't experienced such help, pray to the Lord for mercy and grace to help you in your times of need.
God delights to draw alongside those who suffer.
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11 NIV).
