Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Just a few verses earlier, Jesus told His disciples that the greatest among them would be the humble, the small—those who became like little children. It is safe to assume that the "little ones" He speaks of here are not necessarily children but those among His people who have become like children. We are often compared to children: we are born of God's power, have Him as our Heavenly Father, and have to humble ourselves to enter into this relationship. To be a child of God is to be a "little one." We make no reputation for ourselves, but instead, we are called to childlike trust and humility. Like a child who cannot provide for or protect himself, we rely fully on Him. We are His "little ones."
This lifestyle is despised by the carnal mind, scorned by the world around us, and sometimes even by those of us who are called to it. We like to feel useful, to look good, and to think that our efforts have added to His supply. Gradually, the humility we came to Christ with gives way to pride. Not all at once, but little by little, we begin, like Saul, to see ourselves as "big" in our own eyes. From that point, we cease to be great in God's kingdom.
Not only should we avoid despising these little ones, but we should also guard against despising being one of them. Humility comes before honor, and pride comes before a fall. These are universally and eternally true principles. The fastest way up is down, and the fastest way to fall is to raise yourself up. Do not despise being His little one! He is great enough to make up for your smallness, strong enough to cover your weakness, and, in due time, He will exalt you for His glory.
The benefit of being one of these little ones is that we have God and His host as our defense. We do not need to defend ourselves against those who despise us. Like little children, we cannot defend ourselves very well anyway—but it doesn't matter, because we have God as our Father. Our Father has a host of angels at His command. In the instant we are in jeopardy, if He deems it necessary, He can call a host from heaven to rescue us.
Consider God's "little" Apostle Paul, who was visited by an angel one night on a storm-battered ship, bringing him comfort and the promise of his life. God's "little" virgin, Mary, was visited to inform her of usefulness and guarantee her safety. God's "little" family in the days of the Judges who were visited to announce the coming of a deliverer who would begin to set them free. Remember God's "little" prophet who was strengthened in the wilderness. Even Jesus, the meekest and most humble man to ever walk the earth, was visited in His hour of agony to be strengthened.
Being His little one comes with very big protection. Fear not, for as the Scripture says, "Their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." Yes, your angel—assigned to care for, watch over, and strengthen you—is always before the face of God. At the very moment you need rescuing, strengthening, or comfort, your angel will be dispatched with the full authority of God to minister to you. As Hebrews 1:14 reminds us: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
In closing, do not despise these little ones, nor despise being one of them, lest you displease our Father, who watches over us with all the care of a loving parent. His displeasure could place you on the receiving end of either His chastisement or His wrath, depending on your relationship with Him. If you are His child, it will be chastisement; if you are His enemy, it will be wrath. Ask Saul, who despised little David. Ask Nebuchadnezzar, who despised being humbled. Ask Haman, who despised little Mordecai and was hanged on the gallows he built for him.
What comfort and reverential fear this verse gives us! What peace and caution! As the verse says, we should: "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
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