The Role of Michael the Archangel
Not only Elijah, but the Archangel Michael will be on duty during the build-up of this Great Revival. But whereas Elijah will be very much in evidence here on earth, Michael will be unseen by most, dealing with matters on a higher dimensional level, on behalf of all God’s children. He will be either incarcerating or destroying the wild beasts of Revelation that have injected their evil schemes into the minds of godless people, whereby they become human reflections of what the beasts are themselves. When these beasts have been removed from their heavenly positions, the minds of men may begin to resume a more human outlook, less like terrorists.
Daniel was given God’s word about Michael.
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to age-lasting life, and some to shame and age-lasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3
When he speaks about Michael “standing up”, it must be understood in the same way that other entities “stood up” in chapter 11 of Daniel. For example, three kings in Persia (v2), a mighty king (v3), many against the king of the south (v14), a vile person (the antichrist) (v21). The ”standing up” is a way of describing a rise to power. And so it will be for the Archangel Michael, who will become powerful in his working.
The “time of trouble” that arises as a result of Michael standing up is referred to elsewhere as “the great tribulation”. Now rather than view this in the usual popularistic way, let’s get to the root of the matter. The word “tribulation” is thlipsis in Greek, and refers to a constriction, a narrowing, a hemming in. Jesus said, “Narrow is the gate and difficult (constricted, tribulated) is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matt.7:14. A situation will therefore arise in which the circumstances of life will become very restricted for the whole world, just as they are now for those who choose to walk the narrow path to Eternal Life. But during the time in which Elijah operates, and Michael assists “upstairs”, the world will find great restrictions due to the return of God’s laws, and the establishment of righteousness.
We now need to turn to Revelation 7, and see what happens as a result of this great constriction. “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
John asks who they are, and the angel tells him, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:9, 14-17
The “great constriction” experienced on earth will have a wonderfully positive purpose in God’s sight. One is reminded of the final words of the prophecy quoted in Part 6. “And there shall be multitudes in the valley of decision in that day, when my word goes forth authenticated by the power of my Spirit.”
