Something from... Lutheran Satire on Angels

In honor of the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels today (this was to be posted on September 29, but I failed to get it done), I submit to you a short video from Lutheran Satire about angels.  Thanks to Rennaissance artists, they have been portrayed as cute, chubby little babies.  The Bible knows no such angels.  This sums it up nicely.

 

Sermon -- Festival of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29, 2024)

REVELATION 12:7-12

ANGELS: GOD’S SERVANTS FOR GOD’S PEOPLE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When we start to delve into the spiritual realm of angels and demons, things can get confusing.  Scripture speaks about things that are unseen, but it does not provide all the information we might want.  Since we cannot see what is unseen, we are often perplexed by it.  For example, it appears that in Old Testament times, Satan had access to the presence of God.  The most familiar account is when Satan challenged Job.  “There was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them” (Job 1:6).  We hear how, in the days of King Ahab, a lying spirit came before the Lord and promised to entice King Ahab to his death through false prophets.  St. Jude writes how Satan contended with St. Michael over the body of Moses.  So, it appears that Satan had access to God’s presence for a while.

     But then St. John wrote, “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).  We will consider the war later.  But the point is that the devil no longer has any access to the glory of God; for the angels have driven out the devil and his demons. 

     While the angels are spiritual beings, they are still creatures whom God has made.  We do not know on which day of creation God created the angels, but since everything that was created was created during those first six days, the angels were created during that time.  God’s assessment of his creation at the end of day six is this: “God saw everything that he had made and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).  At that point in time, everything was perfect.  But it was probably very soon after the sixth day that the devil and his demons rebelled.  So now, there are good angels, and there are evil angels whom we call demons.

      The angels are much more powerful than we are; therefore, we are impressed by them.  We would be frightened at the sight of them because they are holy.  Just ask the shepherds in the Bethlehem fields or the women at the Easter tomb.  St. John certainly was humbled before one.  He wrote in Revelation, “I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed (this revelation) to me, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that!  I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book.  Worship God’” (Revelation 22:8-9).  We do not worship the angels or call upon them in prayer.  They are God’s servants, not God.  Our worship and our prayers are reserved for the Lord.

     The angels are God’s servants for God’s people.  The writer to the Hebrews asks this rhetorical question: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14)?  Not everyone on earth has an angel.  Those who are outside the kingdom of God are captives of the devil, and he fights to keep them.  But the angels serve you because you are God’s redeemed.  They act to guard and keep you so that the devil would not overcome you.  They are God’s servants for God’s people.  

     Now to address some misunderstandings.  People do not become angels when we die.  No matter how popular or endearing this idea is, it is wrong.  God created people to be people.  You remain you in heavenly glory, although with a spiritual and glorified body.  The angels remain angels.  Nor is there anything in Scripture to tell us that departed relatives watch over us.  We must stick to what God does tell us.  And the Lord tells us that the angels watch over us.  They are God’s servants for God’s people.

     The Bible is also unclear if one guardian angel has been assigned to you.  Perhaps, but perhaps there are more than one.  The Bible says that the number of angels is myriads upon myriads, often translated 10,000 times 10,000.  The number of angels is great, but it does not increase.  Jesus told us, “In the resurrection (the saints) neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).  The angels do not need to procreate in order to produce the next generation of angels.  On earth, we have to.  But it is not so in the heavenly kingdom.  Whether saints or angels in heaven, all are eternal.  There are no maternity wards or mortuaries.  The number is fixed.

     The angels also served a key function in the Bible: They were messengers.  That is what the word angel means, “messenger.”  They proclaimed peace on earth and good will toward men when God the Father sent his Son into the world to serve as our Savior.  They were at the tomb on Easter morning to declare to the women that Jesus is risen from the dead.  Sin, death, and the devil have been conquered by Jesus.  This message is now repeated through mortal messengers because that is how God delivers his salvation to you.  God’s grace is revealed and delivered through words.

     The war in heaven came to an end when St. Michael and his angels drove the devil and his demons out, but the devil has come down to earth.  The war rages here.  It is a battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of people.  When we hear it is a war, we may think of blades, bullets, and bombs.  But this is a spiritual battle, and the weapons are words.  That is how the devil attacks and ensnares you.  The devil is described by St. John as “the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).  The serpent makes us mindful of the temptation in the Garden of Eden.  Now, where is a serpent dangerous—or for that matter, a dragon?  In his mouth.  That is where the fangs and the venom are.  That is where a viper inflicts his victim with pain and death.  The devil attacks you from his mouth, too.

     St. John calls him Satan, which means “accuser.”  The devil accuses you of your sins, even the ones that are distant history.  He makes your shame wound fresh all over again, causing you to relive your sin.  The guilt he lays on you is real, and it torments you.  St. John tells you that this is to be expected.  “The accuser of our brothers … accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10).  Satan would have you question whether sins that still haunt you are really forgiven.  He would try to convince you that your sins still stick to you.  But the devil is a liar.  The devil does not lie about your sins; the lie is that your sins still stand against you.  If the devil’s words ever torment you over your sins, then shove this word in the devil’s face: “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us of all sin” (1 John 1:7).  Jesus has cleansed you and renders you pure and innocent before the Father.  Therefore, the devil’s accusations cannot stand.  It is just as St. John recorded, “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11). 

     The war continues to be waged on earth, and Satan fights fiercely.  St. John warns, “Woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short” (Revelation 12:12).  He cannot overcome Jesus.  He cannot snatch you and rip you out of the kingdom of God.  But he will entice you to leave the kingdom through deception.  The devil uses his words to twist and distort God’s word, and he deceives people.  He tries to mimic God’s word so that his words sound right.  He appeals to your feelings and emotions.  He wants you to trust your own reason and follow your own heart.  But if your reason and your heart have been corrupted by sin, what you follow will be corrupt, too.  That is why St. John wrote, “(The saints) have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11, emphasis added).  God’s word preserves us from the devil’s deceptions.  We forsake a life that is guided by sinful impulses, and we take every thought and make it captive to Christ.  By his word and sacraments, Jesus preserves us in the faith, works in us a godly life, and gives eternal life.  If our thoughts will be captive to Christ, then we must read his words, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them.  This is how Satan is overcome.  This is how the battle is won.

     Our victory is found in Jesus Christ alone.  Deliverance comes through the blood of the Lamb.  And to keep us secure, the Lord Jesus gives us his holy blood in the holy supper.  From this altar, the body which rose from death and lives is fed to us for our eternal life.  From this altar, the blood which was shed to atone for our sins is given to us for our forgiveness.  Here, the devil is cast down and chased away.  For, he cannot stand against the Savior who lives and reigns over all things.

     When we gather for the heavenly feast, the whole Church in heaven and on earth join in praise of God.  We join the angels in the song from heaven: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”  They join with us in the song from earth: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest!”  Voices blend together to marvel at God’s goodness.  We sing God’s praise because he joined himself to us to bestow his salvation.  The angels sing because they marvel that God would make himself a man in order to redeem mankind.  In worship, the angels serve God just as we do.  The angels are God’s servants with us to declare the wonders of our Lord.

     When our last hour comes, the angels will still be God’s servants for God’s people.  Just as the angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s side, so they will come to escort your soul to heavenly glory.  If Satan would dare to contest your admission into heaven, St. Michael and all his angels will rebuke him in the Lord’s name.  For, you are the Lord’s redeemed, and Satan cannot have you.  When the resurrection of all flesh shall come, God will send his angels to gather his people from all the ends of the earth.  They will divide the redeemed from the condemned, and our Lord will usher us into the heavenly home from which the devil, his demons, and all evils have been banished.

     “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them” (Revelation 12:12)!  Rejoice together, angels and archangels and all the company of heaven!  For the devil has been cast down.  The ancient serpent has been crushed under food.  The Accuser has been silenced.  The Lord Jesus lives and reigns.  And he will bring us to live and reign with him.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Lutheran Satire: Angels

In honor of the Minor Festival, St. Michael and All Angels (September 29), here is a bit from Lutheran Satire about angels.  Angels are often depicted as cute, but Scripture gives us a far different image.  When the angels have to begin pretty much every encounter with the phrase, "Fear not," we ought to recognize that their holiness would strike terror in every one of us.

From Lutheran Satire: 

Minor Festival -- St. Michael and All Angels (September 29, 2024)

               Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  On Sunday, September 29, we will recognize a minor festival, the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels.

               At this festival, we praise God for his servants, the angels.  God employs angels to watch over his people (Psalm 91:9-12; Hebrews 1:14).  When we survey the Scriptures, we see that angels do much more.  They proclaim God’s praise, and they point us to Christ as the Savior of all mankind.  As we observe this Minor Festival, we will heed the angel’s words, giving our attention to the grace God has poured out on all the world through Christ.

Minor Festival -- St. Michael and All Angels

In recognition of a Minor Festival of the Church Year, please enjoy this brief video from Lutheran Satire about angels.  Praise God for these faithful ministers who live to serve God's people and who dwell in the glory of God's presence.

Prayer of the Day for St. Michael and All Angels

M:     Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals.  Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your direction they may help and defend us here on earth; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C:     Amen.

Minor Festival -- St. Michael and All Angels (September 29, 2021)

In honor of the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels, I submit this brief video from Lutheran Satire.  Enjoy! 

Sermon -- The Festival of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29, 2019)

REVELATION 12:7-12

LET YOUR HOLY ANGEL BE WITH ME THAT THE WICKED FOE MAY HAVE NO POWER OVER ME.

In the name + of Jesus.

     In Martin Luther's Small Catechism, there are morning and evening prayers for Christians to pray.  Each of those prayers offers this petition: “Let your holy angel be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.”  We begin the day asking for God to send his angels to watch over us, and we begin the night with the same request.  This is what God has given his angels to do, as the Scriptures declare: "Are (the angels) not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)  
     We often fail credit angels with the work they do.  I'm sure you've heard it said, and maybe you have said it yourself: “I know that Grandma is watching over us.”  Or you credit some loved one who died unexpectedly or died young.  I suppose it is emotional attachment that leads us to do this, but there is nowhere in Scripture which suggests that the saints who have gone before us are watching over us.  The Bible tells us that they rest from their labors.  They are not given new assignments.  The angels, however, have been assigned to watch over you.  The Psalms state plainly: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)  
     It is also fairly common for people's fascination with angels to lead to idolatry.  Whether people want to communicate with the angels for special aid or to worship them with prayers or vows, this is idolatry.  Angels are creatures—created by God for his purpose.  Now, the purpose God gives them is to defend and protect his people.  We call upon our God to have them to just that: “Let your holy angel be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.”  We thank God for them, but we do not worship them.   Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.
     St. John reminds us of what is at stake regarding the angels and their service: “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)   God did not have to use angels for this purpose, but he chose to.  In the same way, God does not have to use parents to bring people into the world, but he does.  He uses mothers to feed and to nurture children.  He uses fathers to discipline and protect children.  For this, we give God thanks, but we do not worship parents for this.  It is the same with the angels.  And just as we dare not undervalue parents for the service they give to their children, so also we do not want to undervalue the angels whom God uses to serve us.
     The Lord employed St. Michael and all the angels to drive Satan out of heaven.  That means when we finally enter heavenly glory, we will be forever free from all of the temptation, affliction, and destruction the devil plots against us.  We will be forever free from all enemies and will enjoy uninterrupted peace and rest.  For, there (is) no longer any place for them in heaven. (Revelation 12:8)  It is not so on earth.  “Woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12)  That is why we pray every morning and every night: “Let your holy angel be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.” 
     When we pray for the angels' protection against the wicked foe, we ask God to send his angels to protect us from all that would harm us in body and soul.  We probably think more about protection for our bodies.  We want to be delivered from illness and injury and protected from loss of property and possessions.  But even when the angels deliver us from injury, it is done mainly to protect our souls from harm.  Consider the case of Job.  When the devil wanted to afflict Job, it was not merely to see his portfolio get drained. Satan stripped Job of all that was valuable to him—killing flocks and herds, almost all his servants, and all ten of his children.  Later, Satan afflicted Job's body, leaving him a shriveled man with sores from head to toe.  The point was not merely to make Job miserable.  Granted, Satan wanted to afflict Job with loss, but he stated the reason why.  “Stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” (Job 1:11)  
     Losing your possessions or your health cannot damn you.  But if, in your anger or because of misplaced trust, you abandon the Lord, you forfeit his mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.  That's ultimately what Satan desires.  He does not care about you.  He will continue to harass, afflict, and tempt you.  He will also accuse you—for that is what Satan means, accuser—so that your guilt will consume you.  And that is all the more reason to plead to God: “Let your holy angel be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.”  
     Now, for as much as the angels do for you, they do not save you.  They serve you, but they do not save you.  That is done only by the Lord Jesus.  When Jesus came to the world, he did not come as an angel.  He became a man.  The angels marvel at what the Lord has done to save you.  The angels do not need to be saved.  They are confirmed in holiness.  Still, the angels marvel at the grace that God has upon sinners, that he would become a man to unite himself with you.  Jesus took upon himself all of your sins.  Every accusation that Satan could hurl at you, Jesus took for you.  And when Satan had a chance to kill God the Son, he could not help himself.  For, Satan knew that if he could kill off Jesus, he could claim the whole world for himself.  If God in the flesh could not overcome sin, death, and the devil, then all flesh is lost.  Not even the angels could fix that. 
     For you, Jesus gave himself into death with your sins upon him.  He let the grave swallow him up.  But on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave.  All sins have been paid for by his death, and every accusation of Satan is overruled.   Your are forgiven.  All the charges are dropped.  No accusations stick.  By Jesus' resurrection, death and the grave are overcome.  Salvation belongs to our God.  The authority to forgive sins and deliver from death belong to Jesus.  He has done all of these things for you.  For, St. John speaks of the saints: “They have conquered (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)  Whenever Satan would harass you with your sins or accuse you of your faults, flee to Jesus.  The word of his testimony silences the devil.  Flee to the altar; for the blood of the Lamb purifies you of all sin.  The wicked foe has no power over you; for you are Christ's.
     The day will come when we will depart from this world.  On that day, the angels will carry us to Jesus' presence in heaven.  And there, we will be forever free from all of Satan's accusations, from his harassment and temptations and afflictions.  For St. Michael the archangel and all the other angels have driven the devil and his minions out, “and there (is) no longer any place for them in heaven.” (Revelation 12:8)  This is why the heavens rejoice, and all who live in them.  And then, in that heavenly joy, we will join together with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven to laud and magnify the Lord for his grace and his glory. 
     Meanwhile, the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven already join with us in our songs of praise: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” as we come to the altar to partake in the blood of the Lamb for our salvation.  The angels rejoice not because they need God's grace, but because God has acted to save us.  They marvel at how good God is.  They rejoice over even one sinner who repents, and they rejoice over you.  More than that, they rejoice in serving you—in obedience to God and for the good of his people.  God sends them in answer to your prayer: “Let your holy angel be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me.”  Thanks be to God—the angels are with you.  Satan has no power over you.  For, “the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come.” (Revelation 12:10)  Because Jesus lives, we too will live.  And all of God's holy ones—saints and angels—rejoice together. 

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Lutheran Satire and the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels

Sunday, September 29 is the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels.  Good Shepherd will be observing this festival and pondering God's good gifts of the angels he has created and employs for the benefit of his people.

Sadly, we have learned more about angels from Hollywood than we have from the Scriptures.  Unsurprisingly, the way we envision the angels is usually wrong.

Lutheran Satire offers a brief video to help clarify one common misconception about the way we think of angels.  This should clear a few things up, anyway.  Enjoy!

The Festival of St. Michael and All Angels -- September 29

Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  On Sunday, September 29 we recognize a minor festival, the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels.

At this festival, we praise God for his servants, the angels.  God employs angels to watch over his people (Psalm 91:9-12; Hebrews 1:14).  When we survey the Scriptures, we see that angels do much more.  They proclaim God’s praise and they point us to Christ as the Savior of all mankind.  At this festival, we will heed the angel’s words, giving our attention to the grace God has poured out on all the world through Christ.

We will join our voices with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven to laud and magnify our Lord in song of heaven ("Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty"), even as they will join with us to sing the song of saints on earth ("Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord").

NOTE:  The Hymn of the Day is a fairly new hymn, entitled "Christ, the Lord of Hosts, Unshaken." (726, Christian Worship Supplement)  It sings like a fight song; and indeed, it is.  Spend a few minutes before the service to read through the lyrics to appreciate how it vividly depicts the overthrow of Satan by our Victor, Jesus Christ, who wins the battle for us and who wins us for eternal salvation.

Sermon -- The Festival of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29, 2013)

LUKE 10:17-20 / REVELATION 12:7-12

REJOICE!  FOR THE ACCUSER HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN.

In the name + of Jesus.

      And there was a war in heaven. (Revelation 12:7)  That just sounds wrong.  When we speak of heaven, we think of bliss and peace and rest.  But instead we hear of a battle.  It was a fight for supremacy. 

     On the one hand, it was stupid.  Does Satan really think that he can overthrow the Lord?  Does Satan really believe that he can reign supreme?  God’s throne stands unchallenged.  It’s not that it shouldn’t be taken.  It can’t be taken.  There is no other God.  There can’t be any other God, no matter what any rival thinks.

     On the other hand, Satan does not believe that God should reign supreme.  Satan does believe that he can thwart God.  Satan is called the prince of this world.  He wants to be God.  He has no interest in giving up his reign. 

     And so, there was a war in heaven.  But the Lord employed his angelic creatures to cast out the demonic creatures.  The archangel, Michael, and his angels (were) 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.  And the great dragon was thrown down…  And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” (Revelation 12:7-10) 

     St. Michael and his angels are employed by God to serve the heirs of salvation, that is, you.  While there are a few times God records how the lives of his saints were spared by the intervention of the angels, the angels usually go about their work silently.  Yes, God’s angels watch over you.  They protect you, but they do not promote themselves to you.

     Of course, you do know the most obvious way the angels have thrown down the enemy who accuses God’s people.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them…and said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy…  For unto you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11)  It is Jesus who overcomes the devil and takes away his claim on you.  And again, the angels appeared and said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5-6)  It is Jesus who has paid for sin, conquered death, and crushed Satan underfoot.  The angels declare God’s love and Jesus’ victory.

     Therefore, rejoice!  For the accuser has been thrown down.  He does not own you or control you.  He can no longer accuse you or afflict you.  Jesus Christ has overruled every taunt and every accusation.  Your guilt has been taken away.  Your sins have been forgiven.  And your death is not to be feared.  For, the Lord Jesus has taken away its terror.  It can only hold you for a short time.  But “now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come.” (Revelation 12:7-10)  Your eternity is with God, and your heaven is secure.  There is no war, but only bliss and rest and peace.  For the devil and his demons have been thrown down, and there is no longer any place for them in heaven. (Revelation 12:8)

     The head-crushing blow of the ancient serpent took place when Jesus suffered, died, rose, and ascended into heaven.  There is no longer any question about Jesus’ reign.  And for that reason, there is no longer any question about your forgiveness or salvation.  If Jesus reigns, his word is supreme.  He declares that you are forgiven.  You are saved.  Your eternity will be glorious and joyous.  But the glory has not come for you just yet.

     As pleasing as it is to hear that St. Michael and his angels have thrown down the accuser, and as comforting as it is to hear that Jesus lives and reigns forever, we are alerted to the reality of life in the Church Militant.  “Rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them!  But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:10)

     And there is a war in heaven, that is, in the heavenly realms.  The Church is militant, and the battle rages.  But be sure that you do not mistake your enemy.  You might think that your enemy is a thief or a murderer or a slanderer or a terrorist.  Granted, these things can make life difficult.  They can do some real damage.  But these are not the real enemy.

     And there is a war in heaven.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)  Thieves can take your things.  Slanderers can take your good name.  Terrorists can take your security.  Murderers can take your life.  But none of them can take your salvation.

     There is a war in the heavenly realms.  Your enemy is still the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  He will not concede that he is defeated.  He still exalts himself as the prince of this world.  He still has no interest in giving up his reign.  He fights hard and he fights dirty.  If he cannot be God, he will play God.  He wants to deceive you with hollow promises.  He lures unsuspecting souls into his trap.  He has no mercy because he does not care.  He has come down in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short. (Revelation 12:12)  He still tempts, still taunts, and still accuses.  He wants you to despair so that you are consumed by your sins and give up on your Savior.

     There is a war in the heavenly realms.  And though you cannot defeat the enemy, your Savior has!  Rejoice!  For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:10-11)  Your victory remains where it always has been.  Jesus does not tell you to make plans to go out and to conquer and to fix the world.  Instead, seek refuge in the Savior who has already won the victory.  “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)  The victory comes through the blood of Jesus Christ which atones for your sins and purifies you.  The victory is heard in the word of the Lord which overrules every accusation of Satan.

     And that is why the Church gathers week after week around the altar to receive the Lord’s Supper.  St. Michael and his archangels are here.  We join with them and with all the company of heaven to laud and magnify the name of our Savior.  The Lamb of God is here.  He who takes away the sin of the world comes here again today to have mercy upon us and to grant us peace.  Here the blood of Jesus Christ is given to take away sins and deliver from death and the devil.  Here, Satan is cast down.  His accusations melt in the presence of God, and the word of forgiveness and salvation stand.

     Rejoice!  For the accuser has been thrown down.  He lies crushed under Jesus’ feet.  And though people may rage against you and you may feel the fury of the devil, do not fear.  Jesus promises, “Nothing shall hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)  Salvation belongs to our God.  All authority has been given to Jesus, even authority to raise the dead to eternal life.  He commands his angels to watch over you.  He sends his ministers to absolve you.  He himself has won your salvation.  And therefore, he declares peace.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.