September 1, 2025 -- Matthew 4:11 -- Angels Ministered

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Matthew 4:11 ESV
 
After forty days and nights of fasting in the wilderness, and being tempted by the devil, the end of those days culminated in the three temptations recorded by Matthew. Only after all those assaults did the devil leave Jesus. Jesus had withstood each and everyone of the temptations without the slightest compromise or complaint. Luke noted that the devil left Jesus until an opportune time (Luke 4:13). The wily enemy is ever lurking nearby, and he is restless evil. Notice the mercy of our Father in heaven. To His exhausted Son the Father sent His ministering angels.
 
It is important to note the angels did not fight Jesus’ battles. He battled the devil without their interference. But the pattern is well-established in Scripture. After hard battle, there is rest and refreshment given by the Father. While we don’t know what the angels did, how they ministered, Spurgeon speculated they were a loving, familiar presence. He likens it to a sermon you hear that is greatly comforting. I recently experienced something like that.
 
I remember a few weeks ago I was at Teen Challenge, preparing to lead a Bible Study. The Director of TC so kindly approached me and asked me in a way and tone that was so obviously caring, “Are you okay?” He is safe. He knows the challenges, joys and sorrows of working with those who are battling addictions. I said, “My heart is weary because of my circumstances, but my soul rejoices in the Lord.” He knew exactly what I meant. He offered me a coffee chat. We met up and it was obvious that the angels of the Lord had been sent. We had an hour and a half of uninterrupted time to talk and pray. No emergencies that needed to be dealt with, just time for two brothers in the Lord to have an opportunity to spend time together. It was heaven-sent.
 
As Jesus, Who when He walked the earth was as fully human as you, was ministered to by angels, trust that our Father in heaven commands His angels concerning you. Trust that at precisely the right moment you will be encouraged by a phone call, a card, a text, a circumstance that is heaven-sent. It is quite possible that you will be the heaven-sent person to meet with someone else, a blessing sent by the Father, and the time you spend is angel-guarded so that you can administer God’s blessing to the one in need.
 
Father in heaven, forever blessed is Your Name. Great are You in majesty and power, and You are kind and compassionate in all Your dealings with Your people. Thank You for the illustration of Jesus Christ, the final Adam, receiving the ministry of angels. Thank You faithful Father, that You will provide precisely what is needed, so that in all circumstances, trials and refreshments, Your people will be led to maturity in Christ. Thank You for the powerful work of the Spirit within, and the ministering angels all around. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/tQUTvMtUhw4?si=3oaaSpovYj6vm5vM The Doxology
 

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