The Hedge

Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:9-12 ESV). What does Satan mean when he tells God that he has put “a hedge” around Job? It is a reference to favor and protection to be sure; but, what form does that take in practical life? It certainly means we have been given wisdom and direction from God that we might make good choices in our lives. The Scripture of full of directives and examples of both the right way and the wrong way to conduct our lives; however, I believe it goes a bit further. I think God takes a more active role in protecting His children. He hasn’t just given us an operator’s manual on life and said, “Good luck!” I think he has purposed his angels to watch over and care for us as well. We have guardian angels. These are personal angels who watch over our safety and direction. Every Christian does. There are several references that point to this truth. "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11). "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 ). Maybe you have met an angel (the Scripture does say we “may have entertained angels unaware). If you have, you probably wouldn't know it. Typically they do not reveal themselves to us. However, they are there. Jesus made it clear when He said, "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 18:10). This is reassuring, knowing how easily children can get themselves into trouble. We can know that angels are involved in our lives. And angels are involved in the lives of Christians. We have angelic activity around us every day. Angels are at work in our lives, protecting us, guiding us, and sometimes even speaking to us. God cares enough for us that he places “a hedge” around us with many sources. This won’t make us immune to bad choices, but it does give us the ability to overcome every temptation. Thank him for his protection and trust in him alone!