Saint Michael and All Saints - September 28, 2025 (Slides): Open two browser tabs/windows or use two devices. In one stream the service. In the other open the slides and follow along from wherever you are.
The M3 - Monday Morning Mail for Saint Michael and All Angels (September 28, 2025)
"Angels, Angels, Everywhere"ย
In yesterday's sermon I used a different way of preaching to focus on God's gift of angels, focusing in particular on Michael. I used what's called expository preaching, retelling the Biblical text and making application where appropriate. I began by referencing the readings that mention Michael: Daniel 10, Jude 9, and Revelation 12. The reading from Daniel makes reference to Michael helping the man contending with the King of Persia on behalf of Israel. Jude invokes an account from the Jewish writing The Assumption of Moses, in which Michael contends with Satan over the body of Moses. I next referred to Revelation 12, when Michael throws Satan, the ancient serpent, down to earth from heaven. I then transitioned to other accounts, retelling how an angel was placed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden, after the man and woman sinned. I showed an image of an angel at Jesus's birth, representing the heavenly host that Luke records appearing. Next, the angel's ministry to Jesus in the wilderness was displayed. I next highlighted the angel at Jesus's empty tomb, when the women arrive to annoint him but are told his is risen. Finally, I showed a woodcut from Albrect Dรผrer, entitled the Seven Angels with the Seven Trumpets, in which the heavenly hosts worship the ascended Jesus night and day.ย
Besides letting the Scirpture speak directly to us, each of these accounts remind us that we are not alone. We know that we are living in the midst of a loneliness pandemic, which does not get the public attention it deserves. As Christians we may even feel more lonely, as Christendom struggles in America. These readings remind us that in addition to the Holy Spirit, who comforts us always by bringing Jesus to us, the Lord charges his angels to be our help in this life!