St. Michael and all Angels
Recording of the Service and Sermon
The Revelation to John 12:7-12
Today is the Feast Day of St. Michael and All Angels, our patron saint.
The second lesson is from the Revelation to John, and it’s the primary New Testament lesson about St. Michael the Archangel. Michael and his angels fought against Satan and his angels, and Satan and his angels were expelled from heaven to earth.
One thing that makes Revelation difficult to understand is it is a vision given to the Apostle John. While it’s mostly about the future—about the ultimate triumph of the Lamb of God at the end of time, it’s also a look at what is ongoing behind the scenes, and has been ongoing since the beginning of time.
In the Old Testament, Michael is mentioned in the Book of Enoch and Daniel as one of seven archangels who work for God. Michael is the chief of the seven, and he’s engaged in fighting ‘the prince of Persia.’ He is the defender of the people of God, meaning the defender of Israel. And that role has extended into our time where Michael is now also the patron saint of police officers, those who protect the innocent.
From what do the people of God need protection?
Whether or not most of the people in this world would acknowledge it, we have been engaged in a spiritual battle between good and evil since the beginning of histo need protection from evil.
Much of human history is about war. What seems to drive it is a quest for power, or security, or land. There are significant ideological clashes—Marxism, atheism, progressivism, socialism, and communism against Christianity, basic human rights, and all forms of self-determination. There are differences in cultural values and practices, and jealousy, fear, and hatred come into play.
However, the root of all suffering in this world is evil and it is of a spiritual nature—meaning it has to do with God and Satan, and the condition of our souls. No one wants to believe they are evil, but Satan is the great deceiver. He uses lies and deception and half-truths to turn people to ‘the dark side’.
While Satan and his angels may have lost the war in heaven, and they were kicked out of heaven, Satan’s home now is the world, this earth upon which we live. Satan and his angels no longer have access to God, but we do. The best defense against being deceived is to continually seek the truth, and ultimate truth is found in God, which is why the Word of God is central to understanding what is good and what is evil.
While groups of people fight one another over ancient disputes, and more recent ideological ones, the conflict with evil is most importantly a battle within the heart and soul of each person. It is not just seen in worldly events or even in interactions between individuals. Those worldly events are the outward manifestation of what is going on inside us.
When I was growing up we used to think ground zero for the final battle between good and evil was Washington, D.C. or Moscow. It has shifted from time to time, in ancient times—Israel and Babylon, in the first century—Rome and Jerusalem, during World War II—London and Berlin, in our time—Gotham and small-town America.
Meanwhile, the fight between good and evil is also here at St. Michael’s.
Satan’s true focus is on the people of God, which would be the church. His primary goal is to draw people away from God. C.S. Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters” provides an insightful description of the tools Satan uses to do this. If you’ve not read it, or not read it recently, it’s definitely worth reading or re-reading.
Over 70 years ago a group of young families and a young priest gathered to plant a church here. Since then generations of parishioners have worshipped, attended Sunday school, cared for the poor, taught Sunday school, served on the Altar Guild, cooked and shared many meals, sung in the choir, labored on the vestry, taken care of the building, and prudently managed our resources. They gave of their time, talent, and money to make it all happen. God has blessed St. Michael’s for over 70 years. I am so grateful to be your rector.
Through the years we have grown as Christians in our relationship with God in good times and bad, developed life-long cherished friendships, and have been married and also buried here. Generations of the saints who built this church are now out there in the cemetery. We have such good memories upon which to build the future for the coming generations.
Perhaps our role at St. Michael’s in the spiritual battle between good and evil is to continue what we have been doing all these years, being faithful and devoted to Jesus Christ here, bringing up the next generation of faithful Christians. Sometimes this means making a pledge of financial resources to make it all happen, from year to year. In a few moments Carl Campbell is going to share with you some of his thoughts about stewardship. In coming weeks I too will share my thoughts and experiences, and how God has richly blessed me every time I stretched to give him a little more.
Meanwhile, we can be comforted knowing that our patron saint, the Archangel Michael, will continue to protect and defend us until the final triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
