Monday 30 September 2024
But they have conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. (v. 11)
Background
Today is the feast of St Michael and All Angels.
This passage is full of imagery and themes that will seem alien to us in the 21st century. The ‘apocalyptic’ began in a restrained way in the Book of Daniel (written in around 170 BC). It then developed rapidly, with ever more complex and violent imagery, to enable Jews secretly to share their faith in an increasingly hostile political environment. John of Patmos was the author of Revelation (Revelation 1:9). He was soaked in this excessive apocalyptic before he became a Christian. He had long hated the tyrannous Roman empire.
Today’s passage has its origins in Daniel 12:1-3. Michael was imagined as the guardian angel of Israel, and a champion of Israel in God’s heavenly court. Satan was the counsel for the prosecution; and a devious, hostile and untruthful one at that. In truth Satan has bedevilled the whole of humanity. The conflict between Michael and Satan is now transferred from God’s court to become an all-out war between them and their respective battalions of angels. Michael wins and Satan and his angels are expelled from heaven to earth. Heaven rejoices (v. 12); but humanity pays a heavy price because – although only for a short time – Satan causes havoc to righteous people (especially Christians).
Verse 11 seems to be John’s Christian reflection. He has inserted it into the surrounding Jewish myths and images (verses 7-10 and 12) because he wants to communicate his belief that this apocalyptic gives meaning to certain events on earth. The defeat of Satan was achieved by Jesus dying on the Cross (‘the blood of the Lamb’). In the spirit of Jesus, faithful witness by Christians in the face of Roman persecution demanded martyrdom for many. It was the outworking of Satan’s final fling after expulsion from heaven. Now, surely, the end of this wretched history is imminent. And the victory of God is certain!
To Ponder:
- Have you developed in your own words the meaning of Jesus’s death on the Cross? Have you refined your convictions in discussions with other Christians? Have you felt confident to share the words that matter to you with people who are seeking faith or with people struggling to renew a faith that is in danger of being overwhelmed by doubt and confusion?
- In many parts of the world today Christians are harassed, excluded from social or economic opportunities, abducted, and even killed for their faith. Where can you find out more about their plight? How do we express compassion and solidarity with them?
Bible notes author: The Revd David Deeks
David is a Methodist supernumerary presbyter, living in Bristol.