Scripture Text: Revelation 12:1-17
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
Revelation 12:7-8 (ESV)
After the August 1945 surrender of Japan, which ended World War II, a number of Japanese soldiers refused to stop fighting. Some did not believe that the news of the surrender was accurate. Others simply refused to accept it. The last known holdout did not surrender until 1974.
In the same way, the announcement of the kingdom in the previous chapter does not end hostilities. The struggle continues as a great sign appears and a battle ensues.
The “woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head” (v. 1) is likely a sign of Israel, and the child would be Jesus—Israel’s promised Messiah. The woman is followed by “an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads” (v. 3). The dragon, identified as the devil in verse 12, attempts to destroy the child but is thwarted. The child is “snatched up to God and to his throne” and the woman is given a place of protection (vv. 5–6).
The battle depicts Satan’s last-ditch attempt to take heaven by force (vv. 7–9). His defeat at the hands of Michael and his angels illustrates his weakness. Satan knows what this defeat means (v. 12). Victory is beyond reach, and his doom is imminent. He will attempt to vent his anger upon Israel. When his efforts to do so are thwarted, he will turn his attention to “the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus” (v. 17).
These three descriptions use symbolic language to link historical events with those that are yet to come. But the verdict is already in—and Satan himself knows it.
Reflect
1. Can you recall a time when you felt like you were in the midst of a spiritual battle? How did you handle it? Did you learn anything about staying strong in your faith during tough times?
2. Knowing that victory over evil is guaranteed in the end, how does that influence the way you face challenges and struggles in your life right now?
Remember
There is really an ongoing battle between good and evil, as illustrated in the passage. It's not just a distant tale; it's a reality we're living in. Think of it like being in a tug-of-war between what's right and what's wrong. But in the midst of it all, Christ stands as our anchor, symbolized in the passage as the child protected by the woman. It's about holding onto our faith in Christ, knowing that despite the chaos around us, His victory is assured, and we can find strength in Him to face whatever challenges come our way.
Read
Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:18; Colossians 2:15
Pray
Heavenly Father,
As I reflect on the ongoing spiritual battle depicted in Your Word, I thank You for the assurance of victory through Christ. Help me to trust in Your plans and to stand firm in my faith, even in the face of adversity. May I find strength in knowing that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me through every challenge, in Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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