Bible Pathway - Dec. 27, 2011
Read Revelation 12
Highlights:
A great wonder in heaven (Rev. 12:1-6). War in heaven — Michael defeats the dragon who is known as the Devil, Satan (12:7-9). Weapons used to defeat him (12:11). Beast of the sea and earth, number of man, satanically energized world system ruled by force, greed and evil pleasure (13:1-18; see 15:2).
Chapter 12 opens with John's vision of a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun (Rev. 12:1). And she being with Child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. . . . And . . . a great red dragon (Satan), having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. . . . stood before the woman . . . to devour her Child. . . . a Man Child, who . . . was caught up unto God. . . . And the woman fled. . . . And there was war in heaven. . . . And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony (12:2-11).
The trial of the remnant of God occurs in the wilderness (12:6) to illustrate the desert-like moral condition of this world ruled by Satan.
The great dragon . . . that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world (12:9), is in opposition to the faithful people of God, always seeking to destroy the likeness of Christ and His Word wherever it exists. Satan is given four titles: the great dragon with the seven heads, ten horns, and crowns of the dragon which indicate the great influence and the many forms of Satan's malicious, evil activities in working through people to oppose the work of Christ; that old serpent points out his deceptive character used in the Garden of Eden; the Devil reminds us that he is a slanderer and a liar; and Satan means adversary. Your adversary the devil . . . walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:8). But, praise God, we are more than conquerors through Him (Christ) that loved us (Rom. 8:37). A Christian is able to have peace even in difficult situations because he knows God is in control, and peace comes from knowing Him and His Word (John 14:26-27).
Christians in every generation overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony (the Word of God that became their way of life); and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev. 12:11). He may bid us die for Him.
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 (Rev. 12:10).
Thought for Today:
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).
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 Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter Swanson • Staff: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) and Rep. Joe Walsh (IL) • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matt. 6:12).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:4
