(Jude 1:9 NASB) - An Angel Named Michael

(Jude 1:9 NASB) "But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'"

(Daniel 12:1 NASB) "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued."

I first heard about Michael the archangel in a class being taught by one of my teachers. It was tough for me to understand how someone so powerful and with the backing of the Lord, Himself, would even have to fight with the enemy. But according to the Bible there was such an uprising, and Michael and his legions put it down.

I never knew Michael was quoted in the Bible as having said anything, but tonight in the Book of Jude I learned something new...............Michael had. And as Jude points out above, Michael knew where his power resided...........the enemy had a different notion. Michael knew that his power came from the Lord and that all Michael had to do was invoke the Lord's rebuke of the enemy.

What I find particularly amazing about the relationship of Michael to the Lord is that Jesus loved me so much more....He was willing to suffer the burden of being made flesh............then bear upon Him the indignity of all the sins of mankind from the beginning of time until its end..........and die a horrible death so that I might live with Him eternally.

The Lord sees me as that special...............and that humbles me. Jesus gave me the power over death by giving me eternal life through the blood covering of the Cross. "Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil," (Hebrews 2:14 NASB)

I don't ever take the enemy for granted, but by keeping my relationship with the Lord strong, I have the best protection available to ensure I'm kept safe and secure. It *is* an awesome God I serve!

Love in Jesus,

Jim

---------------------------------------

"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." (1 Corinthians 12:18 NASB)

This devotional was originally posted on CCI-Devo - Daily Group Devotionals on September 24, 2004 in post #655. It was written by Jim Ross, a former United Pentecostal Church member, who attends Christian Challenge International, the sponsor of the devotional group. The devotional is the copyright of Jim Ross and is reprinted on this site by permission.