Excerpt from "Mugan and the Angelic Wars"

Chapter 4: Concern about Lucifer

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 NIV

Michael and the archangels had gathered to train and sharpen their weapons' skills. Everyone was there, except for Lucifer.

Most of the archangels had a special weapon they preferred to use, and had used often. But each one knew how to use every weapon God had created. God expected it of them. And so they practiced with various kinds of swords, bows and arrows, crossbows, and spears of various lengths.

They spent many hours training. Michael didn't know why God had ordered them to train. None of the other angels seemed to know either. After all, God's power was more than sufficient to put down any type of rebellion if it occurred. Why did they need to use weapons?

Well, it didn't matter really. The angels obeyed without question, knowing the Godhead would reveal the answer in his perfect timing.

Mugan was unusually quiet today. Usually when he sparred he would comment when he won, or compliment his opponent if he lost. But today he did neither; he just nodded silently no matter what the outcome. Something was wrong.

"What is troubling you, Mugan?" Michael asked.

Mugan refused to make eye contact. After a moment's silence, he spoke. "I am concerned about how Lucifer has been acting. He's been saying some strange things."

Some of the other angels overhead the conversation. The room suddenly became very quiet and everyone looked at each other, apparently not wanting to speak.

Well, he'd started the conversation, he better deal with it. "I know you two are close and you often keep him on the straight and narrow path. But he has been prideful lately. Even you are not able to keep him completely in check anymore."

There, he'd said it. Michael didn't mean to be critical. Surely, Mugan was doing his best. Things were getting worse though and he needed to know.

As soon as he spoken, he began to regret it. Apparently the other angels assumed they could say things too.

Uriel blurted out what he'd heard. "He has been making a lot of snide comments about the Godhead and how he is just as powerful. I have heard him say several times that he is better than God!"

Gabriel wasn't one to butt in on another archangel's business. Now he apparently felt the need to share. He spoke quietly, with authority. "A lot of the angels are taking notice and have been drawn to what he has been saying. Some of the angels are agreeing with him, especially when it comes to how God treats man."

Mugan spoke rapidly. "How many angels?"

Gabriel sighed. He hesitated, like he regretted having said anything. Then he continued. "His third of the sons of Heaven and perhaps more. I do know it is most of the angels under Lucifer's charge."

Mugan voice rose. "What? How could he? I know he has become prideful and arrogant. Yet I have tried to keep his focus on how much God loves us all. I guess it hasn't been working."

Gabriel looked at Mugan sympathetically. Now that he was committed to speak, he was blunt. "I hate to say this, but it looks like Lucifer is turning against God. And if he is, he will probably not be the only one. I have a feeling there will be war in Heaven."

Mugan was silent, obviously trying to make sense of it all. Then he defended his friend. "I have to disagree. He is powerful and yes, he can be prideful, but he also knows God would defeat him if he tried anything stupid. He knows he would be kicked out of Heaven forever. And I don't think Lucifer would risk that, nor would any other angel in Heaven."

Like Mugan, Michael wanted to believe the best about every angel, including Lucifer. "I hope you are right, but I am starting to wonder."

There was an uncomfortable silence. No doubt the angels were all wondering what Lucifer would do next, and if the angels in his charge would follow him at all cost.

Finally Gabriel spoke again. "Why don't you ask the Godhead about this matter, Mugan? He would know what to do. If you spoke to him directly, maybe he would talk to Lucifer. I think God would chastise him a bit and remind him who he really is. It's best to get things out in the open and hopefully resolve them before they get any worse. We don't want war."

That was a great idea. Michael watched Mugan, who nodded grimly.

He was glad they'd had this discussion after all, as awkward as it was. It was time something was done about Lucifer. He appreciated Mugan's efforts, but they weren't enough. It was time to involve the Godhead.