The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

Rev. 12:10-11

And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 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.

 

In this chapter there were 2 signs in heaven: the women about to give birth and the dragon waiting to destroy her offspring. The first sign portrayed a time in history, specifically Christ's incarnation. It was at that time that Christ's death and resurrection disqualified Satan as the accuser of the brothers. The victory has already been won! The woman was clothed with the sun, moon, and stars and cried out in agony in the throes of labor. There was also a great, red dragon with 7 heads, 10 horns, and 7 diadems on his head [symbolizing great power]. His tail swept down 1/3 of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth[ evil spirits or angels in league with Satan]. The dragon stood by the woman so that he might devour her child. But as soon as she gave birth to her son, He was caught up into heaven. He will rule all nations with a rod of iron [Messiah]. She fled into the wilderness to a place prepared by God for 1260 days [ could refer to the second half of the tribulation or others think it refers to the time after Christ's ascension and when God withdraws all restraint on the dragon].

 

Now war consumed heaven. Michael and his angels fought the red dragon. Of course, the dragon and his cohorts were defeated and cast out of heaven. The dragon [ancient serpent, devil, Satan, deceiver of the whole world] with all of his followers was thrown down to earth. Then a loud voice said, Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 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. Therefore, rejoice heaven and all who dwell therein! But woe to the earth and sea for the devil has come down in great wrath because he knows his time is short!

 

When the serpent [dragon] saw that he had been ousted from heaven, he pursued the woman, but she was given 2 wings of the great eagle to fly away from the dragon into the wilderness where God will provide for her 3 1/2 years [time, times, and half a time]. The serpent [dragon] poured water from his mouth to sweep her away in a flood. But the earth helped her and swallowed up the water. Then the dragon [serpent] was furious and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring [Israel during tribulation or the church down through the ages], on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus [faithful to the end].  

 

Father,

Much of this chapter I don't understand, but I do see how important it is to be faithful. Give me Your strength and grace to be faithful in all that I do, say, and feel. When I am tempted on a daily basis, or if persecution comes down, grow me into Your faithful serpent. Help me to keep all Your commandments and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus.

In His name,

Amen