Read Revelation 12:1-17
Highlights:
A great wonder in heaven (Rev. 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 and evil pleasure (13:1-18; see 15:2).
There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. . . . and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her Child as soon as It (He) was born. And she brought forth a Man Child, who was to rule all nations . . . and her Child was caught up unto God (Rev. 12:1-5). This refers to the birth and ascension of Jesus Christ.
The trial of the faithful people of God occurs in the wilderness (12:6) to illustrate the desert-like moral condition of this world ruled by the great red dragon (Satan) (12:3). In this desert here is a precious peace that comes by leaving the results in the hands of our Creator.
The great dragon . . . that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world (12:9), is always in opposition to the faithful people of God. There are four descriptive names given to Satan: dragon portrays his monstrous character as the enemy of God and His servants; serpent points out the deceptive character he demonstrated in the Garden of Eden; 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 that (who) loved us (Rom. 8:37). As Christians, we have peace, even in difficult situations, because our peace comes from within (John 14:27). He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5-8). We are privileged to know that all Christians are overshadowed by His mighty love and blessed beyond words to express, "The blessedness of His presence is with me."
It can be said that Christians in every generation overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (His Word that has become our way of life); and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev. 12:11).
Thought for Today:
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy Name, O Lord God of hosts (Jer. 15:16).
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 30; 12:17 wroth furious.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Official: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) • Country: Nauru (11,000) in the central Pacific • Major languages: Nauruan and English • Religious freedom • 57% Protestant; 24% Roman Catholic; 10% Buddhist and Chinese folk-religionist • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's forgiveness with a repentant heart, knowing that God will graciously receive you (Hos. 14:1-2).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6