Nougat 13

It is worth noting Today’s Holy Nougat covers two verses, with a time lapse effect, presents the Temptation from Mathew’s perspective.

“and [the devil] said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” … Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬, ‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ministering Angels

The devil did not lie. The Temptation was framed to include the devil, but no lie was told. If we look at what the angels did afterwards, we note that when the season of Temptation ended, angels ministered to Jesus. That is, they served Him. There’s a sense in which that’s what angels do … they serve God – in worship, by being divine messengers, and battling with ‘fallen’ angels. But this was somewhat different.

When Jesus ended the fast, there was a greater need to support and attend to Jesus. This suggests a difference in roles, which may be carried out by the same angels, maybe even a different set. We don’t know. What we do know is that the angels served Jesus. I suspect it was the kind of ministration offered to Elijah in his season of depression outlined in 1 Kings 19. (He was tempted to give up on life and God sent angels to minister to his needs.)

I also note that with increased references to God’s Spirit during Jesus’ ministry, the input of angels received less highlights. Post-Pentecost, the references to angels are primarily in Hebrews – in the call to be generous to strangers; and in Revelation 21 – where John described the End Times while on Patmos.

Could it be that with God’s Spirit directly accessible to us and within us, there’s less need to rely on angels? Or is it inviting us to focus on God’s gifts, graces and anointing available to us by God’s Spirit?

Again, the jury and the verdict is out. While I do not deny the existence and worth of angels, my focus is on God and God’s Spirit at work in my life. How about you?

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May all we seek be found in Christ