John goes on to describe how the dragon, satan unleashed persecution upon Israel. However Israel is given two wings of a great eagle, to take her to a place of safety where she would be nourished for "a time, and times and half a time" from the presence of the serpent.
The devil at this point spews water out of his mouth like a flood against Israel. He wants to destroy Israel.
Satan become enraged with Israel and goes to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Thoughts for reflection, explanation, and application.
1. Interesting to note that heaven is called to rejoice.
2. More judgement was coming. Woe is always used to speak of judgement coming.
3. Specifically the judgment will be against those who have the seal of God, or God's people.
4. Satan is an intelligent being, and he will know the timetable of his future as it were.
5. We see Satan's hatred for God, vented against Israel.
6. We see this today on every news channel.
7. We also see that God will step in to comfort Israel at this time.
8. Satan feels the same way about anyone who truly commits their lives to the Lord. He hates it.
More thoughts for reflection explanation and application.
1. Can you imagine the massive amount of joy there will be in heaven.
2. How many people will be in heaven?
3. That's how much joy there will be.
4. If you throw in the angels, the joy just went up exponentially.
5. The hatred from Satan has been around for a long time.
6. His army of evil/fallen angels share in his hate towards God's people.
7. We are motivated by love, they are by hate.
Even more thoughts for reflection, explanation and application
1. Comfort and love come from God
2. Hatred and evil trouble come from satan.
3. God's comfort is superior to satan's hatred and evil.
4. God's comfort can be found and realized and enjoyed.
5. God has ways to help us that can't be thwarted by satan.
6. God's people, keep His Word, and have the testimony of Christ.
Final thoughts from this chapter.
1. How close do you think we are to these events coming to pass?
2. The problems with Israel and it's enemies are in the news daily.
3. Iran's leaders speak regularly about wanting to obliterate Israel completely.
4. What might happen to the world if an attack takes place in the middle east?
5. Will Iran attack Israel first?
6. Will Israel attack Iran first?
7. Will Russia come against Israel?
8. The Bible says when they do, 5/6ths of their army will be destroyed.
9. Could we really be that close to the end times scenario playing out?
10. I personally believe we are.
11. Everything that God says will happen does happen,
12. Jesus will return for His people.
13. The church will escape the wrath of God.
14. The anti-christ will be revealed and come into power
15, Etc, etc, etc. See Revelation 13-19
May God bless you today. May you fall in love with Jesus Christ all over again. May you find yourself committed to Him, with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
