Temptation of Michael the Archangel

One day as the starts were turning and the devil was scheming. Satan showed his face before God as he once did at the time of Job's temptation. He was looking with envy at the angels, his heart was grieving at the archangels. And he was full of hatred at God himself. In his pride, madness overtook him, so he said to himself, as I have failed to take the throne of heaven for myself, I will take his highest servant, Michael the Archangel.

As he most despised the idea of truth he spoke with God, as there is only telling truth to Him. Does your servant truly deserve his place? After all what is honor unearned? And what is loyalty untested? Test his freedom as you have tested mine and we'll see on who's side he is.

God answered, take Michael with you and test him as you will.

Satan took Michael to Earth and there he found a girl praying, her angel was diligently listening. As the angel was watching over her dreams, Satan commanded Michael and the angel to show themselves to the girl.

Satan, disguised as a bishop then told the girl: These two are the angels of God for you to judge, tell me which one of them shines the brightest? The girl answered, I see only one angel, so that must be the brightest. After all, Michael shone so bright, no man could see him.

Satan, thought to himself, what is virtue if unacknowledged. And to add to the insult, your inferior is judged as more virtuous than yourself. But, Michael knew better, virtue has but One judge. So, he answered, look at your bishop better, child. He is Satan, the traitor of Heaven. The child trembled as she had never heard a more beautiful voice. I am Michael the Archangel, I was born as the voivode of the angels and each day I have earned my place in Heaven through my obedience to God.