Revelations 12 v 1-18 (Daily Bread Tuesday 22nd August)

Revelations 12 v 1-18 (Daily Bread Tuesday 22nd August)

ISRAEL CONFRONTS THE DRAGON

Key Verse 12 : 11

In this vision the woman that John saw refers to Israel and the male child refers to Jesus Christ. Verses 1 to 5 describe the war on Earth as well as Christ’s adversary ; Satan. Verses 7 to 12 describe the war in the sky ( i.e the heavens ; the third heaven) and they also talk about the one who constantly accuses the brothers ; Satan. Verse 6 and verses 13 to 18 talk about the new war on Earth that Satan, the one who agresses Israel, wages.

1.     The War on Earth (verses 1-5)

These verses show us the manner in which Satan has been acting throughout the course of history : in the beginning, at Bethlehem and on the mount of Oliver trees. In the beginning, the devil lead a number of angels to follow him in his rebellion against God. This cherub protector, filled with pride because of his great beauty, rebelled  against God and took a legion of angels with him. Thereafter, he lead the Earth into error and disobedience. At Bethelem, the devil wanted to devour the woman’s child. The King Herod decreed the massacre of all of the children in Bethelem. However, the woman’s child was lifted up and hidden in Egypte. On the mount of Oliver trees, the devil was unable to stop the ascension of Christ. Through his death and resurrection, Christ has therefore defeated the Prince of this World. Satan was thus unable to devour the « male child » who was « taken up » to God and therefore he has been defeated forever.

2. The War in the heavens

Between that which is decribed in verses 5 and 6, 2000 years of grace have passed. Verses 7-12 describe the permanent conflict in the heavens and they also talk about the conflict that goes on nowadays. The wars on Earth simply reflect the War that takes place in the heavens between the spiritual forces, a War that becomes more and more cruel. Satan is he who accuses the brothers (verse 10). He was casted out of heaven (verses 7 to 8). Satan persecuted the Church. In Heaven he constantly accuses the brothers. However, suddenly the Lord will descend from heaven on the clouds, and He will call up the Church to meet him. From thereon the Church will be indefinitely withdrawn from the enemy’s power. It will be made pure and it will abide in the presence of the Lord forever and ever. The angels will sing songs of praise because of the Church’s victory.

3. The New War on Earth (verse 6, verses 13 to 17)

As Jesus was hidden in Egypte fleeing Herod’s decree, in the last days the woman will have to flee the enemy’s great and oppressing wrath by going into the desert. God prepared this hidding place for her (verse 6). Completely isolated (perhaps internationally), Israel’s strong protector is God. The enemy’s hate therfore turns towards the woman’s descendents (verse 17). Verse 11 brings this chapter to an end as it proclaims the victory of those who are saved by the blood of the Lamb. This victory is due to the blood of the Lamb, the testimony of those who it redeemed and the hate that they have towards their life here on Earth.