Michael the Archangel | Daily Devotion
“But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)” – Jude 9
Michael, the archangel, is notably the strongest angel God mentions throughout Scripture and his appearance in Scripture is specific to the protection of Israel.
He is called the mightiest of the angels, or the chief of princes – and is witnessed in the book of Daniel, coming to the aid of another angel who held a lower rank, who was stopped by the prince of Persia, a demon who was seeking to stop the deliverance of answered prayer to Daniel— Daniel 10:13. Michael took over fighting the prince of Persia, to free the angel to go to Daniel.
I love this truth because it shows God’s love for His people. God knew Daniel was weary in waiting for answer to prayer and thus, He didn’t allow the demon to hold up the angel too long, but sent Michael, His strongest angel – to ensure delivery. And when the angel came upon Daniel, he said, “Daniel, you are very precious to God…” – Daniel 10:11 NLT.
We see how precious Daniel is to God in the very real truth - God sent Michael the archangel, to fight to ensure the answer to prayer was delivered.
Moreover, we see during the Tribulation God establishing Michael as guard over Israel as Daniel 12:1 NLT says, “At that time, Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued.”
Then we read in Revelation 12:7-9 NLT, “Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon – the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world – was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.”
Here we see a battle taking place in heaven between Michael and his angels and Satan and his demons, however it is not the first time Michael confronted Satan in battle and won.
Here in Jude, we see Michael battled Satan over Moses’ body. We know Moses did not enter the Promised Land, however that did not mean he was not precious to God. God sent Michael to protect Moses dead body to ensure Satan would be unable steal it – as who knows what Satan would have done with it. Satan seeks to draw people to idol worship, a “carved image” so to speak. He also could have desecrated it. He definitely would not have treated it with dignity. Satan is evil and his sole goal is to steal, kill, and destroy and that includes testimony, memories, mindset, and witness.
Now the way Michael confronted Satan is an example – he did not speak evil of Satan, nor did he converse with Satan, nor did he accuse Satan of not believing in God, nor did he revile Satan’s power, nor did he draw on his own angelic power – he simply said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
Michael, the mightiest of angels, incited the Lord. As God’s messenger, he called on the Lord, to rebuke. This is noteworthy as it shows the mightiest angel not glorying in his own power but pointing to the Lord. Many people idolize angels, however the angels know their place in the hierarchal order.
All of creation belongs to God. God chose how He desired to distribute power and authority, and the type of power and authority.
And as David said in Psalm 103:19-22 NLT “The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.”
We can rest in the truth in Psalm 91:9-16 NLT that we too are precious to God, as the psalmist says, “If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call upon me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Will you pray with me?
Abba, thank You for assuring us of Your angels presence, securing us and protecting us from Satan’s evil schemes. We love You so much. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
