Michael and all Angels
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10
It is wonderful to know that Michael the Archangel stands watch over God’s people. This passage is even more personal, suggesting that each of us has our own guardian angel. They are always watching over us, and at the same time, they “always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” In other words, they are constantly looking to God to know what they should do for us.
Psalm 91:10-12 has been a source of great comfort in this regard. “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” We can live in confidence with a constant awareness of our guardian angels always carrying out God’s will for us.
Jesus is talking specifically about little children in this section of Matthew 18. How reassuring that is for parents. Children have a knack for doing foolish things, and parents cannot watch their children 24/7, but the angels can. Think of the countless times those angels protected these children of God.
The fact that every child of God has their own guardian angels is also a warning to us not to despise one of God’s little ones. God zealously defends and protects His children. Woe to anyone who would harm one of them either physically or, even more, spiritually. Jesus said, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
Lord, give Thy angels every day
Command to guide us on our way
And bid them every evening keep
Their watch around us while we sleep. Amen
The Lutheran Hymnal 256:3