Bible Pathway - Dec. 27, 2009
Revelation 12
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Danger for the woman and the Child (Jesus) (12:1-6). War in heaven — Michael defeats the dragon (12:7-8) who is known as the Devil, Satan (12:9). Weapons used to defeat the Devil (12:11). Beast of the sea and earth, number of man, satanically energized world system ruled by force, greed, selfish pleasure, and ambition (13:1-18; see 15:2).
Satan is the great red dragon (12:3) — the perpetual enemy of Christ. He is determined to destroy the work of Christ. He influenced Herod to slaughter all the babies in Bethlehem in an effort to kill the King of the Jews, the Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old as foretold by the prophet (Mic. 5:2). The seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns (Rev. 12:3) of the dragon indicate, among other things, his widespread authority, his great influence, and his many forms of evil activities in working through people to oppose the work of Christ.
But Christ and His followers in every generation are victorious over Satan. The dragon fought . . . And prevailed not.. . . And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (12:7-11). Satan and his demons continually seek to destroy the likeness of Christ within every Christian, but we, too, can overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by faithfully speaking the Truth of the Word of God. Greater is He that is in you, than he (Satan) that is in the world (I John 4:4).
We are assured of the final triumph over all evil. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth (meaning: who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that Truth) that Jesus is the Son of God? (I John 5:4-5). Consequently, we gladly allow Him to be Lord of our life. That is why each day we can: Rejoice in the Lord. . . . The Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:4-5).
Thought for Today:
How quickly our world today is becoming a moral desert. It shows more clearly how much we need the life-giving water of Jesus who said: Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water . . . everlasting life (John 4:14).
Cross References:
For Rev. 12:5: See Is. 66:7. Rev. 12:14: See Ex. 19:4. Rev. 13:1: See Dan. 7:8,24. Rev. 13:5: See Dan. 7:8.
Word Studies:
12:6 threescore =60; 12:17 wroth =furious.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Mary Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) • Country: Rwanda (7 million) in central Africa • Major languages: Kinyarwanda and French • Religious freedom • 80% Christian; 10.5% Muslim; 4.5% non-Religious/Other; 4% Traditional ethnic; .2% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Amidst uncertainty, seek the guidance of God (Is. 42:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:20
