In Revelation, chapter 12, we learn first about Israel and the twelve tribes, which represent a woman. These same people, namely the lineage of David brought forth a child, who is Christ the Lord. This is the first wonder in heaven in this chapter as you will read in the following verses, “and 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.” (Revelation 12:1,2) The second wonder is Lucifer, who was once a mighty archangel in heaven. However, because of how high up he was and did not get his way with elevating himself to be like the Most High, a third of the angels in heaven followed him. This happened when Satan was cast down to earth. This was done long before Jesus was born of the Jewish nation. We can learn all this in the next few verses, “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 his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Revelation 12:3,4) These verses are now made known to us by their correct interpretation by way of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to God that Jesus came down and was born in this world, in order to save us from our sins. Although His church would be greatly persecuted as time went on.
The next thing we learn in this chapter is about the birth of Jesus. He lived a perfect life before being crucified and then rising from the grave. It is in heaven that the Lord rules all nations upon His throne in heaven. As for those in Christ’s church, it did not go down in flames after His ascension into heaven. God protected His people throughout the centuries. We read this in the upcoming verses. “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” (Revelation 12:5,6) Earlier we talked about Lucifer and how he was cast down from heaven with a third of the angels. This is explained in more detail below. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 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.” (Revelation 12:7-9) It is hard to believe that angels could have been deceived by Lucifer, but the truth of the matter is that they were. Michael led the pack of archangels and angels alike, in casting Satan and the fallen angels to the earth. Later we will read how the dragon became Satan and he is behind all the attacks in that happen in Christ’s church.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people in Your church will stand strong against the enemy, who is Satan. His attacks are many, but Your strength is far greater than any persecution He throws at us. Because You are for us, who can be against us. The battle is fierce, but with You at the head, we can go forth and win. I believe in You, God. Because Your hand is in my life, I can go forward in great faith. Faith that surpasses all understanding. Even our flesh can’t do the things that You do in us. Before I came to know You, Lord, I stuttered a lot. I was not outgoing and often kept to myself. I was afraid of what people would think of me. All this changed when I gave my life to You. It is amazing the things I can now do, that I never did before. Through the Holy Spirit, I have gained much wisdom and understanding. Even the boldness to share the teachings of the Bible to people in all the world through my writings. I write daily because people need to know about You, Jesus, and be saved. I open my mouth and witness Your truths with people in my city also, for there is no other person under heaven who can save us, but You, Jesus. It is my desire to see many more souls be saved and go to heaven. I wish I could empty hell, but that is not possible. Instead, I will witness Your truths to any person who has ears to hear. Then, can they also be saved from the wrath to come. Lord, help me. I need You more in my life than ever before. Persecution strikes are upon me and I pray that these people will learn from their wicked ways and repent. Thank You for helping me, God. I love You. Amen.
