Festival of St. Michael and All Angels
Posted on September 29, 2023 by under
Scripture: Revelation 2:8-10 (NKJV)
2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’
Devotion
God’s holy angels are those that did not fall as Satan and the other evil ones did. All angels are messengers, and all have to submit to God’s almighty will. These verses from Revelation show us the difference between the work of the holy angels and the unholy messengers, but it also teaches us that both are made to serve God’s mercy toward His people.
His holy angel warns the Church that they will continue to endure tribulation from satanic forces. But the holy messenger also brings a word of encouragement and hope that is like the very Words of our Savior. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28) Our Lord Jesus says these things as a warning, but also as an encouragement. The faithful sons and daughters of God will have life everlasting according to His power and grace, even if they have to suffer imprisonment or other trials. But those who turn from Him and reject His Words—which include His command to endure affliction—will face condemnation for their unfaithfulness.
God graciously sends His Word and His holy messengers to save us from eternal death. May He bless us with His Spirit and power to faithfully hear them and remain steadfast through all joys and suffering!
Collect: O everlasting God, Who hast ordained and constituted the services of angels and men in a wonderful order: Mercifully grant, that as Thy holy angels always do Thee service in Heaven, so by Thy appointment they may succor and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Lord, we pray Thee, that Thy grace may always go before and follow after us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
