Special Servants

Bible Reading: Acts 12:5-11

As Evie and her brother James raced across the field, something suddenly moved in the grass ahead of them. “Oh!” exclaimed Evie, stopping in her tracks. “What is that?”

James stopped too. “It’s just a bird. But, look! It’s hurt. I think its wing is broken.” They watched the bird slowly move away, dragging one wing. “Let’s catch it,” said James. “I bet Dad can fix its wing.” He slowly walked toward the bird. When he got close, he reached for it, but the bird ran ahead, crying pitifully. “Poor thing,” said James, and he and Evie both followed to try again.

Several times, the kids almost got close enough to catch the bird, but each time it struggled forward, just out of reach. At the edge of the field, it suddenly flapped both wings and soared into the air. Evie’s mouth dropped open. “I thought it was badly hurt!” she said.

When they got home, the kids told their dad what had happened. “That sounds like a killdeer,” Dad said. “It probably has a nest in the grass and was leading you away from its babies.”

James laughed. “Well, it sure had us fooled. We thought its wing was broken.”

“God created killdeer with the ability to protect their young in a unique way,” observed Dad.

“I guess so!” said Evie. She grinned at her dad. “So can we count on you to go limping around and risk getting caught yourself if it will help protect us?” she teased.

Dad grinned back. “Absolutely! I’m willing to do anything I can to protect you, but I’m thankful someone else protects you too.”

“Who would that be?” asked Evie. “Do you mean God?”

Dad nodded. “Yes, and He uses special servants—angels—to watch over you. Can you think of any examples from the Bible where angels protected people?”

“Daniel in the lion’s den!” James shouted just as Evie said, “Peter in prison!”

“You’re both right,” Dad said. “It’s comforting to know we have angels watching over us, but always remember that Jesus is with us at all times too. He didn’t just pretend to get hurt to protect us—He actually suffered and died and then rose again so we could be saved, and He’ll always be with us no matter what.” -Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?

Did you know God has angels watching over you? They’re His special servants who minister to His children. There are many stories in the Bible where God uses angels to protect people, and He uses them to protect you too. Nothing can happen to you unless God allows it. And even when bad things happen, Jesus is with you. No matter what circumstances you face in life, you will always have His love and protection.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Angels protect Christians