October 3

Morning

Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? — Heb 1:14 BSB

Angels are the unseen attendants of God's people; they lift us up in their hands, keeping us from stumbling. Their loyalty to their Lord leads them to care deeply for the children He loves. They rejoice when a prodigal returns home and they celebrate when a believer enters the King’s palace above. In times past, God’s people were graced with visible appearances of angels, and though unseen by us today, they still minister to the heirs of salvation. Seraphim still fly from the altar, touching the lips of those greatly loved by God.

If our eyes were opened, we would see horses and chariots of fire surrounding the servants of the Lord. For we are part of an innumerable company of angels who watch over and protect God’s royal children. Spenser’s poetic line is no mere fantasy:

“How often they with golden wings cleave the sky,
Like swift messengers, to help us against wicked foes!”

How honored are we, the chosen ones, when the radiant courtiers of heaven become our willing servants! What a fellowship we are part of, communing with these spotless celestial beings! How secure we are, knowing that all of heaven’s armies are equipped for our deliverance! And to whom do we owe this? Let the Lord Jesus Christ be forever praised, for it is through Him that we are made to sit in heavenly places, far above all powers. He surrounds those who fear Him; He is the true Michael who stands victorious over the dragon. All hail, Jesus! The Angel of Jehovah’s presence, to You we offer our morning praise.

Evening

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. — Heb 2:18 BSB

It may seem like a common thought, but to the weary heart, it’s as sweet as nectar—Jesus was tempted, just as we are. You’ve heard this truth many times, but have you truly grasped it? Jesus was tempted by the same sins that we face. Don’t distance Him from our common humanity. The dark room you’re walking through? He’s walked through it before. The sharp battle you’re fighting? Jesus has stood toe to toe with the same enemy. So, take heart—Christ has carried this burden before us, and His blood-stained footsteps mark the path we tread right now.

There is an even sweeter truth—Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned. So, my soul, you don’t have to give in to sin. Jesus was fully human, and if He could endure these temptations without falling, then His power can help you resist as well. Some new believers think that being tempted is the same as sinning, but that’s a mistake. The temptation itself is not sin—sin only comes when we yield to it.

Here lies the comfort for those who are sorely tempted. And there’s more encouragement if we remember that Jesus, though tempted, triumphed gloriously. As He overcame, so shall His followers, for Jesus is the representative of His people. The Head has triumphed, and the body shares in His victory. There is no need for fear, for Christ is with us, fully equipped to defend us. Our place of safety is in the arms of our Savior. Perhaps this temptation is meant to drive us closer to Him. Blessed is any trial that brings us into the safety of the Savior’s love! Happy are the wounds that lead us to the Great Physician. Tempted ones, run to your tempted Savior—He understands your weakness and will uphold you through every trial.