Michael and all Angels
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. Revelation 12:7-8 (ESV)
There is so much we don’t know about the spirit world of angels and demons. We just get a few little glimpses into that world. Michael is pictured as the captain of God’s army of angels in an all out war in heaven against Satan and his angels.
We know that Jesus, the seed of the woman, crushed the head of Satan. (Genesis 3:15) Yet, somehow, the angels were engaged in this battle over all the demons. Perhaps the demons didn’t leave quietly and had to be driven out of heaven.
However, there is great comfort in knowing that the dragon and his angels were defeated. Literally, it says, “He didn’t have strength.” He wasn’t strong enough. Jesus Christ had defeated them, therefore they could not stand against the other angels. The holy angels could cast them out of heaven.
We know there is a spiritual battle going on over our souls. How wonderful to know that Satan has been defeated. Revelation 12 goes on to describe how he has been cast down to earth and he has “great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” (Verse 12) That is why we need to always “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Thankfully, we can now “Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” because Jesus has defeated him. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV) He has no strength when we stand in Christ. And we have Michael and his angels fighting behind the scenes to protect us.
Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill, They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none, He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
The Lutheran Hymnal 262:3