30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 17 1-2 Children and the kingdom of God 17 God’s ministering spirits
📖 Luke 17:1-2
25Jun2020 - *God’s ministering spirits* - _Luke 17:1-2_ - Bible reading: _Ephesians 1:20-23_
_Luke 17:1-2 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offences should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (2) It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones._
We have understood that as parents and as a whole community we are responsible for the edification of the child. The goal of all edification is to present every man (child) perfect in Christ. We are nurturing the child to be part of the body of Christ, which is also growing into the fullness of Christ.
We have also said that we must cultivate the spirit of enquiry in the child. We must chasten or discipline the child, for this is a requirement, not an option and our life should not cause offence to the child.
We now come to _Matthew 18:10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven._
There are angels assigned to every child and their angels always see the face of God. What is God’s plan for children? _Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish._
God does not want any of the little ones to perish and He has angels assigned for every child, who are ready to do the bidding of God to take care of children. We, yet, see children suffering and abused. We see children being led astray. If there are angels assigned by God to take care of children, then why is all this evil happening to children, in our world?
Firstly, let us once again reiterate that each of us must take heed that we do not despise these little ones. _Romans 15:1-2 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (2) Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification._ Each of us is not here in this world to please ourselves but to bless others and especially children for their edification.
_I Corinthians 9:22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some._ We must cross over all barriers and connect with children around us and bring God’s influence into their lives.
Secondly, let us be conscious and also avail the strength of the angels of God assigned to take care of His children. _II Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" (16) So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (17) And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha._
_Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Psalm 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
Angles are spirit beings and are powerful. _Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels He says: "WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS SPIRITS AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE." Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?_
They stand in the presence of the Lord to take God’s command and execute the same for those who fear the Lord, who have inherited salvation and for children. _Luke 1:19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings._
If this is the fact then why are there such terrible atrocities being done against children, across our world?
God’s heart is grieved over this matter for the responsibility and care of the world and all of creation was given into the hand of man to execute in His image but we failed because of our rebellion.
Now, the Lord has restored us back into a full, complete relationship with Him through the cross and has reinstated us to where we were in the beginning. The church, therefore, has to execute God’s purposes here on earth, realising and commissioning the angels to act on behalf of children, when we see evil done against children.
_Ephesians 1:20-23 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all._
The church is the fullness of Christ, who fills all in all.
*Thought to ponder*
```Every evil activity done against children must cause us, the church, to not only agonise but be the fullness of Christ and act as the Lord would, in that situation, angels assisting us.```