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January 4 Daily Devotional

Guardian Angels

Peter G. Feenstra

So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24)

Bible Reading

Genesis 3:17–24

Devotional

Do you have your own guardian angel? A guardian angel is usually considered to be a heavenly messenger sent from God to watch over and have a special affection for a particular individual. Although the Bible tells us that the Lord will send His angels to guard us on our ways (Psalm 91) it does not give us any indication that the Lord sends us our own personal angel. There is, however, a group of angels who serve as guardians of the Lord’s glory. They are first mentioned in Genesis 3:24 and are known throughout Scripture as the cherubim.

The Lord drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden and He placed the cherubim in the garden to guard the way to the tree of life. By guarding the way to the tree of life, these angels function as messengers of God’s punishment, but also of His grace. They barricade the way to the tree of life because eternal life is no longer found in an earthly paradise. Adam and Eve must look to the promised seed of the woman, the Messiah, who will open the way to the paradise of God. The angels turn the attention of man to the need for a Saviour.

Cherubim also protect God’s glory and His holiness in the tabernacle and temple. Two golden figures of cherubim spread their wings over the Ark of the Covenant, covering the mercy seat. The cherubim protect the glory of the Lord and proclaim the need for reconciliation and atonement. They kept Adam and Eve away from the tree and they keep the people of God out of the holy of holies. If they had not done so, the people would have been consumed by the wrath of the LORD. Eternal life comes with a price; the blood of the Lamb must be poured out in the complete forgiveness of our sins. This blood speaks of the sacrifice which will bring atonement and eternal life. Instead of a glittering sword, the LORD will bring harmony, peace, reconciliation and the prospect of entering the Paradise of God.

The ministry of the angels reminds us to look beyond this earthly realm to the spiritual realm of God and to redemption in Christ. We are to keep our focus on the things that are above. Let us remember to thank the Lord for His guardian angels.

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