Exodus 23:20-23 – “I am going to send an angel before you to protect you as you journey and to bring you into the place that I have prepared. 21 Take heed because of him, and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgressions, for my Name is in him. 22 But if you diligently obey him and do all that I command, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will be an adversary to your adversaries. 23 For my angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, and I will destroy them completely.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, something in Exodus 23 captured my thoughts and drew me to a powerful promise and covenant provision of God.

Exodus 23:20-26 reveals something we relegate to Israel and fail to see this as a provision for believers.  What is that?  Angelic guidance and protection.

God told Moses, “I am going to send an angel before you to PROTECT you as you journey AND to BRING YOU INTO THE PLACE that I have prepared.”   The instructions were, ‘ Obey him, and do all I command, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will be an adversary to your adversaries. ‘ God promised to bless their food and water AND remove sickness from them.

I contend that God’s desire for believers is reflected in this promise to Israel to lead them to their place of promise.   I refer to Psalm 91 and the Psalmist’s portrayal of this truth for those who follow God.

This promise is for those who make their abode in God.   Living so near to God, they are in His shadow.   He is their stronghold and shelter, and they trust Him completely in all things and at all times.  The outworking of that condition and position is assurance protection and the banishment of fear.

Psalm 91:11-12 – “For He will order His angels to protect you in all that you do.” They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not slip on a stone.”

He continues with incredible promises, which include answered prayers, rescue in trouble, fullness of life and longevity, and entrance into the fullness of God.

We are given promises, and God dispatches angels to help us reach that place of promise!   Yet, we live with no concept or expectation of that provision.  The result is that we walk out from under that protection.   Let’s live expecting angelic guidance and protection.  They respond to the Word.

Lord, send your angels to guard and guide each one today!