Michael the Archangel: Defender of God’s People

Michael Defeats Satan; Guido Reni 1575-1642 Public Domain

Satan has been after God's people since he took the body of a serpent in the Garden of Eden.

• The Bible is filled with his lies and wickedness, but he continues to attack us because he knows his time is short.

• He tried to kill my father with smallpox to stop him from going into the ministry.

• He tried to kill me with asthma, throat cancer, and congestive heart failure not so much to hurt me, but to wound the God who loves me.

But God is overall, and has prevailed in this spiritual warfare from the beginning. Today we celebrate one Archangel's role in this but he was looking unto Jesus for His strength. And we can trust Him wholly and find Him wholly true!

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Introduction

Today, September 29, we celebrate Michaelmas, the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels. For centuries, the church has paused to honor the archangel Michael, who stands as a leader in the unseen spiritual warfare against the devil and his hosts.

While many cultures mark this day as a harvest festival, for Christians, it is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. Heaven’s armies, led by Michael, are active on our behalf. He was sent from God to Daniel* (623-538BC).

An asterisk after a name means the person is in my book SPIRITUAL LIVES.

Read more about church history in my blog: https://www.kenkalis.com/blog

Michael in the Bible

Michael’s name means “Who is like God?”—itself a battle cry of humility against the pride of Satan. He is one of only two angels named in Scripture (the other is Gabriel). Michael appears in several key passages:

• Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1 – Michael is called “the great prince who stands watch over the children of your people.” He strengthens God’s messenger against the “prince of Persia” and is portrayed as a protector of Israel.

• Jude 9 – Michael contends directly with the devil over the body of Moses* (1571-1451 BC), yet does not act presumptuously, saying only, “The Lord rebuke you!”

• Revelation 12:7-9 – Michael leads the heavenly armies in casting Satan and his angels out of heaven, a decisive victory in God’s eternal plan.

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These passages show Michael as a warrior, a guardian, and a servant of the Most High God.

Theophany and Angelic Presence

Sometimes in Scripture, angelic appearances foreshadow the presence of God Himself. Theologians distinguish between ordinary angelic messengers and those moments where an “Angel of the Lord” appears as a theophany—a visible manifestation of God.

Michael is never confused with God, yet his role in Scripture is so closely tied to God’s authority that he becomes a symbol of divine protection and power.

For Christians, Michael’s ministry points us to Christ Himself—the true conqueror of Satan. Michael fights, but Christ has won.

Michael and Spiritual Warfare

Michaelmas reminds us that the Christian life involves unseen battles. Paul* (5-67) writes, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Michael’s victories assure us that God’s side is stronger. In Christ, we are more than conquerors.

Conclusion

As we mark Michaelmas, let us give thanks for God’s angelic host, for Michael the archangel, and above all for Jesus Christ* (4BC-30 AD), the Captain of our salvation. May we stand firm in faith, clothed in the armor of God, confident that He who is for us is greater than he who is against us.

As we stand firm in faith, clothed in the whole armor of God, we can be confident that “He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). That assurance is worth celebrating—not just on Michaelmas, but every day of our lives.

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In time of temp­ta­tion, I hear a sweet voice,

So ten­der­ly whis­per to me,

Be strong in the Lord, sweet­ly rest on His Word,

The an­gels have charge ov­er thee.

Refrain

The an­gels have charge ov­er thee,

To keep thee in all thy ways;

This bless­èd as­sur­ance brings peace to my soul,

My heart is o’er­flow­ing with praise.

When tri­als arise, and when dan­ger is near,

A light in the dark­ness I see;

This pro­mise so blest bring­eth comfort and rest,

The an­gels have charge ov­er thee.

Refrain

Then rest, sweet­ly rest, on the pro­mise of God,

From sin and its pow­er be free;

O be of good cheer, there is no­thing to fear,

The an­gels have charge ov­er thee.

Refrain

Words: Wil­die Thay­er, 1910,