Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3; Revelation 12:7-12; Luke 10:17-20

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What do you know about angels? We see them portrayed many times in movies and TV shows. Yet, we know that this isn’t the best source of information. There are many ideas floating around our culture as to what angels do and who they are. These may have only a hint of truth to them. Indeed, if you asked any random person, you might get such sentiments that we all have guardian angels, that loved ones become angels when they die, or that they are cute, little chubby babies with wings. 

This is why it’s important for us to understand angels from a biblical basis. We may think that angels are pretty rare in Scripture since we don’t know much about them, but even this isn’t actually true. Angels are everywhere, though we still don’t learn too much about them. 

Let’s change this as this week we celebrate the feast of St. Michael and All Angels. Only two angels are ever named in Scripture, Gabriel and Michael. Michael is the prince of heaven, the leader of the angelic armies. He is referenced only a handful of times, most notably in Revelation. Michael leads the heavenly armies against Satan and his forces to cast Satan out of heaven. Just as we read, “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven,” Revelation 12:7-8. 

We both know and confess that angels are part of God’s creation. They are made to serve God in his heavenly dwelling. Angels thus are holy servants of God. Yet, the term angel also means “messenger.” This is how we often see angels portrayed in Scripture. They are messengers of God to his chosen people. Gabriel carries the news of Christ’s birth to Mary. Angels announce to the disciples Jesus’ resurrection. It is said that angels shall even announce the second coming of Christ on earth. Angels are ministering spirits, to care for God’s people by carrying to them God’s word and defending them from Satan and his forces.

Despite all of this, the church has commemorated St. Michael, the archangel for one main reason. It’s not that it’s a good day to learn about angels. It’s that St. Michael is a servant for Christ, carrying the victory of Christ to all of God’s creation! St. Michael may lead the armies, but he himself is led by Christ. Christ is the one who commands all the heavenly host. And Christ is the one who has been born in our flesh, and died for us! Even as Revelation says, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death,” Revelation 12:11. St. Michael is a warrior of Christ, carrying the word of Christ’s death and resurrection to all of God’s people so that Satan may accuse us no more! By Satan’s defeat at the hands of Michael and the angels in Heaven, we have the assurance of God’s care and protection both now and forevermore!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Everlasting God, You have ordained and constituted the service of angels and men in a wonderful order. Mercifully grant that, as Your holy angels always serve and worship You in heaven, so by Your appointment they may also help and defend us here on earth; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!