Note 3 at Mt. 18:10: In this verse, Jesus probably had an infant or a small child in His arms that He was making direct reference to. However, just as in verse 6 (see note 2 at Mt. 18:6, above), there is a broader application of this verse to include any disciple of Christ. This passage reveals that we have angels assigned to us. Hebrews 1:14 further reveals that their purpose is to minister to us (i.e. on our behalf). In the Old Testament, Psalm 91 teaches on the ministry of angels to God's people, and there are many examples of this ministry (Gen. 16:7; 24:7,40; Ex. 23:20; Num. 20:16; 1 Ki. 19:5; 2 Ki. 1:15; Ps. 34:7; Dan. 6:22; Mt. 2:13; 4:11; Lk. 16:22; 22:43; Acts 5:19; 10:3; 12:7).

Some people who have realized this truth have taken it as far as to say that we are supposed to speak to our angels and they will obey our commands. There is no instruction in scripture to do this nor is there any example of that being done. We don't have the intelligence to administer all of the angels. Many of the angels' protective duties described in Psalm 91 are preventative, and we certainly could not effectively command these activities.

Rather, these angels are dispatched exactly as this verse describes--by looking at the Father's face. God Almighty controls them for us; however, we do have a part to play. Psalm 91 prefaces all of these promises about angels as being for those who dwell in the secret place of the most High (v. 1). Verse 2 further instructs us to say that the Lord is our refuge and fortress and that we are trusting in Him.

It is the combination of our faith in God and His faithfulness to us that releases the angels on our behalf. If it was solely up to God, His provision would be the same for everyone because of His mercy and grace. However, we have to receive God's grace by faith (Eph. 2:8). As we seek the Lord, become aware of His ministering spirits which were created to minister for us, and speak forth our faith in this area, He will send forth His angels on our behalf.