Recently a loving grandparent emailed me to thank me for that day’s devotional. The email included a statement that as they were creating the email a beloved grandchild was in the OR having another delicate neurosurgical procedure.
My heart ached for the family and especially for the young patient. As I prayed, the Lord took me to Scripture on the ministry of angels for the sheep of the Good Shepherd. The following is a sample of teaching from Scripture on the topic.
Daniel 6:22 An angel stopped the lions from devouring Daniel.
Psalm 91:11 “For He will give His angels orders concerning you, To protect you in all your ways…” (NASB)
Angels minister to saints as they die. Angels act as heavenly escorts taking us from here to heaven. They also strengthen us so that we are equipped to cope with whatever form our death takes. “Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s arms…” Luke 16:22 (NASB)
“And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.’ Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.” (Luke 22:41-43 (NASB)At the last day the angels shall gather God’s elect from the four corners of the world and bring them to their eternal home. Matthew 24:31
So, all through our earthly journey to the celestial city, we are surrounded by angels who incessantly attend to our needs. With such a rich, inexhaustible source of assistance, we must surely prevail whatever Satan and his co-workers throw at us! May these Scriptural thoughts be all the incentive you need to rise up and fight the good fight of faith today (1 Tim. 6:12).
Now let my soul arise,
And tread the tempter down;
My Captain leads me forth
To conquest and a crown:
The feeblest saint shall win the day,
Though death and hell obstruct the way.
Should all the hosts of death,
And pow’rs of hell unknown,
Put their most dreadful forms
Of rage and mischief on,
I shall be safe, for Christ displays
Superior pow’r, and guardian grace.
- Isaac Watts
