Angels, literally "messengers" in Greek, bear the task of guiding and nurturing God's children.
The Archangel Michael, one of two angels mentioned by name in the Bible, offers protection from evil and proof of God's swift action in love.
Who is the Angel Michael?
The name "Michael" means "who is like God."
Michael, like other angels, is a messenger of God. Michael is traditionally called "archangel" because of his power and the belief that he guides and leads other angels.
What Does the Archangel Michael Do?
The Bible portrays Michael as protector of God's people. The prophet Daniel prophesized that Michael would guard Israel at the end of the world, a scene echoed in Revelation as Michael casts Satan out of heaven (Daniel 12, Revelation 12:7-12).
Everyone needs protection at some time in his or her life. The Archangel Michael traditionally guards Christians in times of vulnerability, when fear or darkness of any kind suck at hope and the promise of new life.
Michael carries a flaming sword and wears armor symbolic of his vocation to protect and attack the enemies of God. Over time, Michael has become associated with defending the Church and protecting those in hazardous occupations such as sailors and police officers, attributes which stem from Michael protecting good souls from evil.
Devotion With the Archangel Michael and Revelations 12:7-12For Christians, the following devotion offers an opportunity to seek Good through scripture with the Archangel Michael.
To seek Michael's guidance, settle comfortably for at least twenty minutes with no distractions. Be open to God's presence and guidance, and take as much or as little time as needed to sink into the experience.
- Read how Michael and the angels defeat Satan in Revelation 12:7-12. to yourself.
- Notice Michael's rapid response to evil, his zero tolerance approach. Imagine the scene and how quickly God sends Michael to dispel the darkness.
- Pinpoint an area of personal fear, despair, or hopelessness in need of divine intervention.
- Visualize the area as a dark form, attacking and harrassing.
- Ask God's permission to attack the fear, pain, depair, or other type of darkness.
- Now visualize the Archangel Michael according to the description in Revelation, attacking and defeating the fear just as he attacked and defeated Satan.
- Spend several minutes basking in that light as the Archangel Michael fights and defeats the symbolic demons of fear and despair in the name of God.
- Give thanks to God for this healing, referring back to the end of the Revelation passage, where John rejoices in Satan's fall.
Note that God's promise to defeat evil occurs not just in Revelations, but always. Invite the Archangel MIchael to defeat Satan, or whatever other forms of darkness are present, at any time, using steps 3-7.
Christians believe that the Archangel Michael awaits, ready to attack and defend all who love God.
Readers may also enjoy Praying with the Angel Gabriel: Devotion on Luke 1:26-38.
Sources:
- Holweck, Frederick. "St. Michael the Archangel." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 10. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911.
- Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version. Oremus Bible Browser, 2009.
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