Read Revelation 12.
Behind the physical catastrophes described in Revelation is the culmination of
the spiritual war that has been raging ever since Lucifer was ousted from
heaven the first time. This is the basis of all human conceptions of good
versus evil, light versus darkness, which exist.
Though picturesque language is used, the Bible is always the best commentator
on itself. Most of what is needed to understand is explained in this
chapter. We are told of five identities.
1. The Pregnant Woman.
This is a literal description clothed in symbolism. Exactly as when
Joseph told of his dream in Genesis 37:9-11, his family immediately understood
its literal meaning. And, indeed, it literally came true later in
Genesis. Here, the one giving birth to the male child, who will be key to
this spiritual war, is the nation of Israel. The Messiah came into this
world as a descendant of Abraham of the tribe of Judah.
2. The Dragon.
No passage of Scripture provides a better description of Satan than this
chapter. He is the source of all evil. He is the ancient serpent of
the Garden of Eden. He is the devil. He is the deceiver of the
whole world, duping people to think that they can live their own lives apart
from God. He is the accuser of our brothers, who hurls accusations
against believers "day and night before our God”. He used this same
tactic against Job in Job 1:6-11. His goal has always been to do
everything within his power to stop God's plans for redemption and restoration.
With urgency he will endeavor to do his worst at this point in the future
because he knows "that his time is short". His control of world
leaders presented here is the exact same imagery as prophesied in Daniel 7:24.
This explains the insanity throughout history to this current day of
those who attempt to annihilate the Jews.
3. The Son.
In His first coming, Satan tried to kill Jesus through the slaughter of babies
by Herod. Satan thought the crucifixion would be the end. But the
resurrection and ascension of Jesus back to heaven confirmed God's defeat of
all Satan's schemes. The mission of the second coming of Christ will be
far different than His first. Ruling over the nations with a rod of iron
is the same language used by God, the Father, in Psalm 2. It is the same
type of description found in Revelation 19 of Jesus' return to earth.
4. The Archangel Michael.
Satan will know that he only has 1260 days to wreak havoc before God takes the
next step against him. The second half of the 7-year Great Tribulation
will be a full scale war, not only on earth but will involve heaven as well.
5. The Persecuted Offspring.
This further confirms that the woman who gave birth is Israel. The Jews
living during the Tribulation will suffer great persecution. They will
flee their land to a place where God will protect and nourish them.
The ultimate outcome for the Jews will be the recognition and acceptance of
Jesus as the promised Messiah. "And in this way all Israel will be
saved, as it is written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish
ungodliness from Jacob'; and this will be my covenant with them when I take
away their sins.'" (Romans 1126-27).
How much better for Jew and Gentile alike to respond to God's loving offer of
forgiveness right now!
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