Revelation Review Chapter 12
Weekly Wednesday writings on Revelation one chapter at a time.
Scripture is not like any other literary work, for scripture is complex in wisdom and truth that is given from God. We can only look in wonder and be astounded, for among the world, is the Kingdom of Heaven, and God is at work. In the 12th chapter is the 3rd interlude of the vision seen from heaven.
“And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.” Revelation 12:1-3
A sign in heaven revealing God’s son on earth. The long awaited savior born to a woman, from Israel, wearing the crown of twelve stars from Joseph’s dream in Genesis 37:9. The next sign in heaven reveals the great battle awaiting on earth at the birth of Jesus. The red dragon is the devil, as stated in verse 9. We learn here that his intent is to devour, or end God’s will, the work of Jesus on earth.
“She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne,” Verse 5
In one verse John has revealed the birth of Jesus, His kingdom on earth and His place in heaven with God. There is no victory to the red dragon. John will reveal more of this battle, but the battle is won. Christ reigns.
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Verse 11
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.” So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
In Luke 10 Jesus sees the battle in the heavenly realm during the time the disciples went out and proclaimed God’s kingdom only to those who welcomed them. During the time of God’s kingdom to all the earth, evil will fail and fall like lightning. Jesus has conquered, the victory is His. Yet like flashes of lightning, the little battles continue until God’s will is completed on earth.
“Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.” Verse 17
Satan did not conquer Christ. Satan did not conquer Israel. As Christ goes out to the world, there remains earthly and heavenly battles. Satan stands “on the sand of the sea.” Satan cannot reach or touch those cleansed and redeemed. He cannot change God’s will as God brings heaven to earth.