Archangels' Names, and a Rebel (Redux)

These are the names of the greater Angel's, who have generally been recognized in our traditions as Archangels. Each name also has a theological meaning. They tell us something about the nature of God.

Michael - Who is like God?
Gabriel  - The Strength of God
Raphael - The Healing of God
Uriel        - My Light is of God
Selaphiel - He Prays to God
Jeremiel - The Mercy of God
Zerachiel - The Command of God
    also:
Phanuel - He Brings God's Presence
This last one is not a commander, but has an important role as a messenger. He may be next in line if ever called upon, since he is the prototype of the prophet/apostle.

Tradition says that the rebel's name was
Lucifer - A Fiery Zeal for God,
and places him to the left of the Throne, across from the Christ. It is a position of trust and authority, where he stands to accuse us of being unworthy of Heaven. We might wonder why he is still allowed to be there, representing his rebellion and betrayal, but there are really supposed to be eight Archangels. The number seven stands for perfection, but eight is completion. And really, Lucifer used to be the first of all, adoring God's glory and majesty up close and personally.

So the heavenly attributes of God are known by the company He keeps, just as we human beings are also known by those whom we choose as friends:
Zeal (Devotion)
Likeness
Strength
Healing
Light (Vision)
Prayer
Mercy
Command (Obedience)
These names still represent the ways in which we should relate to God, to show our respect and reverence. And the Archangels each have a role to play in the Lord's court.

Perhaps Lucifer has chosen to call himself Allah, and claims all those who could not discern good from evil. If a man can be deceived by temptation, and be willing to practice violence and cruelty, slavery and oppression in Allah's name, and dare to call that good, then perhaps being outcast is justice. For in this way, it is revealed who is not worthy, and who knowingly follows the Liar, just because it suits him.

Then there are those who turn away from what they know is good, and despise their own consciences, refusing to turn back from selfishness and ask God for mercy. They too see the way of the world as cruel and open to those who would take any advantage, and they don't care about the unfortunate and oppressed. They will be surprised to find out that there is more than this one life, and that our choices do have consequences.

But what happens to people who would want to be good, but can't find the strength to follow what their conscience says is right? Perhaps for them the only hope is faith in the Lord, to confess contritely and beg for mercy. Jesus has promised to save all who believe and follow Him. Hopefully, our Lord will be merciful to all who would try to keep a good conscience, who admit their failures, and come in faith to ask for mercy. This might turn out to be the great majority of humanity, especially if God has had a hand in the world's other religions.

And what shall be Lucifer's just due, if he proves his point? What if humans can't be made worthy of Heaven? Is this all merely a test, passing judgment on each age and generation, to see how far we have yet to progress? Will this world continue until the process is satisfied, when finally we have learned, and now we are worthy to be welcomed into the Heavens? Perhaps, it is our capacity to discern the truth of good and evil, to let faith reshape our own conscience and character, and to know when we fall short, that is being tested. So our hope in Jesus is all that saves us, and all that we need. When the rebel kneels, repentant and contrite, and vows renewed obedience, will he not also be forgiven?

Is there some way to fix our minds, or to redirect our wills without taking away our freedom? Would doing that diminish us, or perfect us? Should we devise some brain-machine interface that we can wear, to retrain the way we think?  Could such a thing even be possible? Would it give us access to the powers of faith when we are ready to be truly the children of God?

I might really be willing to wear a cap, or a headband, until I can learn how to live as I should. It would be better than the Devil's  alternative, that we should be cast out and destroyed. Especially if we will receive an extension of our lives, instead of harsh judgement, that would be its own kind of justice, but with mercy - probation for a thousand years. And then? We receive the freedom to love God in the spirit of truth, with all of our patiently earned wisdom forever, without counting the time.