Michael Sent out to Kill Dragons with Water

St. Michael & All Angels

September 27, 2015

Revelation 12:7-8

Michael Sent out to Kill Dragons with Water

In the name of the Father and of the ☩ Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Dragons are real. History tells us of large reptile creatures—possibly crocs from the Nile that swam across the Mediterranean—that roamed in the south of Europe. Though these crocodiles didn't breathe fire, neither could the many dinosaurs that Adam and Eve and their children observed.

Like fish-stories, the dragon-stories that we know today are creative additions to real things. But dragons were real.

In the same way, the Devil is real. But instead of increasing his ferocity—like a good dragon story—the world has chosen to defang the Devil and his demons. The world pretends that these dragons are bemusing myth. This is a mistake because while dragons are no longer a threat to us, the Devil most certainly is.

Jesus noted:

[The Devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44b)

Peter warned:

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8b)

The Devil is a fierce enemy who is so bold that he tempted Jesus Christ Himself. And he most certainly tempts you every day with his lies.

The truth is the Devil is too strong for us. So we need help. And our merciful Lord Jesus sends His archangel Michael to fight for us.

Michael means “Who is like God?” and is a reminder that Michael is a created being. God made Michael to serve Him, just as He created Adam and Eve in the beginning to serve Him.

But unlike our first father and mother, Michael never rebelled against God. He remained a loyal soldier, who fights and wins against the real dragons that threaten us every day.

And there was war in the sky, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war and they were not strong enough and there was no longer a place found for them in the sky. (Revelation 12:7-8 Siegbert Becker's translation)

This section of Christ's revelation to John seems to only speak about a past event. But as we have read earlier and from past experience, we know that the Dragon, the Devil, is quite active and has not given up.

This is insanity. For the Devil to keep fighting is insane. Christ has won. In the beginning Christ sent Michael to hurl the Dragon out of the heavenly realms. Christ 1, Devil 0.

The Devil failed to capture the soul of Job. Christ 2, Devil 0.

The Devil failed to destroy God's Old Testament people as was noted in the book of Daniel. Christ 3, Devil 0.

Christ refused the Devil's offers of power and glory in the wilderness. Christ 4, Devil 0.

Christ suffered and died on the cross. Christ won. Christ conquered sin, death, and the Devil on the cross. It is over.

Yet the Devil keeps fighting. So Christ keeps sending Michael out too. The Devil fights with lies. Michael fights with the Truth. Michael uses God's Word to drive away demons.

Today we drive away demons from the soul of little Eli. Today we confess that the Devil has again failed and has been cast down. With Holy Baptism, with water and God's Word, the Devil again is defeated because he has no claim on this precious baby boy. Christ wants Eli and so He chose him to be His own. And He speaks it so with water.

Dragons are real. The Devil will still hunt for Eli, just as he continues to prowl around for us. The Devil has lost, but he still fights on until the end of time. But this is exactly why Jesus continues to send His good angels, like Michael, to protect Eli and us.

The first 72 preachers that Jesus sent out knew that dragons were real. When they came back to report to Jesus, they were understandably excited about their battles with these dragons.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:18-20)

Through Baptism Eli is safe. Through God's Word he will trample the serpent, the dragon, the Devil, for Michael fights for him, sent by the victorious Christ Himself. Eli will call upon the Lord and the Lord will hear him. And Eli's name is written in the book of everlasting life.

For He will command His angels concerning [Eli] to guard [him] in all [his] ways; they will lift [him] up in their hands, so that [he] will not strike [his] foot against a stone. [He] will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because [Eli] loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91:11-16)

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners―of whom I am the worst. Alleluia! Amen!