February 19

Angels came and ministered to him. — Matthew 4:11.

THERE is not a great deal said in scripture concerning angels. We learn however, that they were created before our world, for when the foundations thereof were laid, "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted aloud for joy." (Job, xxxviii. 7.) We also learn that they are beings possessed of amazing power and knowledge, are astonishingly swift in their movements, are spotless, and holy, and dwell in the glorious palace of God, that they are constantly and perfectly happy. They have often been employed in performing services for our world, and they are the appointed guardians of the people of God. We frequently find them engaged in matters connected with the Redeemer. They announced his conception, they proclaimed his birth, and now, after his severe conflict with the Devil, they "came and ministered to him." Doubtless they had watched the whole scene, and how must they have rejoiced when they beheld the wicked one effectually repulsed. But it was not until the victory was achieved that they visibly drew near. Christ's work was to be accomplished by his own arm—his triumphs were to be effected by his own power. It is not said how they ministered to Jesus. The appearance of these holy sons of light would of itself yield comfort to the Saviour. To find himself surrounded by those celestial beings who took so deep an interest in all that concerned his Father's glory. Some have supposed that they brought food to Jesus — whether that was the case or not, we cannot tell; but one thing we know, that they came and ministered unto him. And we are satisfied that they ministered to him under divine direction, that they ministered to him in the most desirable and efficient manner. And is not this passage calculated to impress with the greatest force upon our minds, other passages which relate to the communications subsisting between angels and the church of God. Let the reader carefully peruse the following portions of scripture, and derive from them all that comfort on this subject, which they are so eminently calculated to communicate. — Psalms 34:7., xci. 11. Matthew 18:10. Hebrews 1:14., xiii. 22.