FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS
This Sunday, we celebrate and study the angels. More specifically, we observe the role that Michael has played and will play in God’s realm.
DANIEL 10:10-14;12:1-3
THE BACKGROUND
This is a book of hero stories written about a man of God named Daniel. The setting is in Babylon, during exile. Modern biblical scholars believe that the book was written around 160 BCE to be an inspiration to God’s people. The people of Juda were being forced to abandon their faith and worship Greek Gods. There are horrible and gory stories in the book of Maccabees, which tell of the torture that God’s people endured. The book of Daniel was written to inspire them to hold fast to their faith.
In the first verses of chapter 10, Daniel had been mourning for three weeks. He has a vision. He sees a man that isn’t a man, but the archangel Gabriel. He falls to the ground, trembling, and in a trance.
THE DETAIL
- Gabriel bids him to get up. He has a message for him. Daniel needs to stand up and listen. (vv. 10-11)
- Gabriel explains that he heard his mourning three weeks ago, but he was preoccupied on “God-business”. The important thing here is that Gabriel did hear Daniel’s mourning, but had other stuff to attend to. (v. 12)
- Next, he explains what detained him. He had business (“trouble”) with the prince of Persia. Michael is called a “chief prince”. The Hebrew word sarim is the title for Michael. It means either archangel or prince. Sarim Michael is the patron angel for Judah. Gabriel gives him an assignment, so Gabriel could attend to Daniel’s mourning plea. (v. 13)
- He also explains that he has come to show him the future through visions,[so that his faith may be strengthened]. (v. 14)
- Chapter 11, not in today’s reading, contains the vision that Gabriel provides Daniel. Its detailed description perfectly match the conflicts that occur in Palestine during the period following Alexander the Great, up to the time of the Maccabean revolt. Because this description matches history so perfectly, it is believed that the author of the book of Daniel lived during that era.
- Chapter 12 is the happy ending for God’s people. After the great conflict, Archangel Michael will come to deliver the living raise the dead. Those who are wise and are faithful (have their names written in the book) will shine like stars! (vv. 1-3)
THE TAKEAWAY
Through these passages we become familiar with the role of archangels Gabriel and Michael. We see that they are God’s messengers and helpers. One verse, not in today’s reading, sums it up very well, when Gabriel tells Daniel “Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!” We should do the same.
REVELATION 12:1-12
THE BACKGROUND
The book of Revelation is a challenging book to read. It mainly consists of the apocalyptic literary form. It is loaded with imagery and symbolism. Other books of the bible contain chapters of apocalyptic writing, but none so much as Revelation. Some use this book like it was God’s great Ouija board for predicting the future. This approach has made millions for authors and some TV evangelists. Other theologians view the book in its literary and historical setting. They believe it was a familiar literary form, back in the day. Much of the symbolism that meant so much to the early readers has been lost in antiquity. Furthermore, rather than a book to strike fear into the readers’ hearts, the book was intended to provide comfort and strength to those faith is being challenged. The book is a series of visions that John had. These visions are cyclical—they repeat themselves, to a certain extent. We join John about halfway through his vision-book. Keep in mind that our focus here is on the role of the archangel Michael.
In the first part of chapter 12, a woman (representing Mother Israel) gives birth to a son. The devil, in the form of a dragon, is poised to destroy the baby as soon as it is born. The baby is whisked away to God on His throne, and the woman goes into hiding.
THE DETAIL
- A war breaks out in heaven, where archangel Michael and his warriors battle the dragon-devil and his army. (v. 7)
- The dragon-devil and his ilk are defeated. They are expelled from heaven, and find their way to earth. They will wreak their havoc there. (vv. 8-9)
- Here is the good news. We on earth have the power of God, as manifested in the Messiah. The devil cannot harm us. We are safe! (vv. 10-12)
THE TAKEAWAY
The reason to read this passage this week is to see Archangel Michael’s role in defeating evil and being the champion of God’s people. We are also reassured of salvation through the blood of the Lamb.
LUKE 10:17-20
THE BACKGROUND
This passage is the concluding portion of the story about the sending of the seventy. About halfway through Jesus’ ministry, he commissions seventy disciples (including the 12 apostles) to spread out into the surrounding countryside. Their job is to prepare the way for Jesus’ healing and teaching. He instructs them to travel light, and gives them other advice for their task. Our passage begins with the return of the 70 from their mission.
THE DETAIL
- The disciples return reporting great success! (v. 17)
- Jesus gives them a sort of heavenly attaboy. (vv. 18-19)
- Next, Jesus, tells them not to “get the big head” over what they’ve done. Instead, they should be excited that their names are written in a book in heaven. (v. 20)
THE TAKEAWAY
In the other passages read today, Michael and the other angels are given the power and authority to do the work of the Lord. In today’s reading, Jesus’ disciples (including you and me) receive this power and authority.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
My name appears on lists that are in several books or records. I cannot think of another book which is more important to be on than this one in heaven, can you?