Becoming Like a ChildSample

God stands up for ‘little ones’ who cannot take care of themselves

“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)

Once more, Jesus takes children as examples for believers. Again, this verse speaks of both literal children and "unimportant people." The Lord Jesus warns His audience not to despise “these little ones.” For, He says, they have a close connection with their heavenly Father. They are represented before His throne by angels. The Bible does not say that every believer has their own personal guardian angel, but it does say that angels in general are “sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).

Here on earth, it sometimes seems that "little ones" have no one to stand up for them. Children are being exploited. Lower-class workers are barely represented in politics, and their voices are ignored by those in control. Minorities are treated badly. But that is only the visible part of reality. Jesus says the spiritual world looks very different. And that, again, is both a comfort and a warning. If we are among “these little ones,” we may know that the Lord is aware of what is being done to us and will respond accordingly. But if we “despise” others, that does not go unpunished.

How does knowing that angels represent "little ones" before God's throne change your view of the world?