Then, she being with child, cried out in labor and in pain to give birth, and another sign appeared in heaven: A great, fiery red dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns, and 7 diadems on his head.
The dragon's tail drew 1/3 of the stars of heaven and threw the down to the earth. And, the dragon then stood before the woman was about to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.
The male child was born who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.
At this time the woman fled into the wilderness, where a place had been prepared for her by God, that they should feed there for 1,260 days.
War broke out in heaven, Michael one of the arc angels, along with his angels fought with the dragon and the dragon and his angels fought. But, they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So, the great dragon was cast out, and the serpent of old, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, he was also cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him.
It was then, that John heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come, because the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God night and day has been cast out. And, they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Some explanation, application, and reflection...........
1. It's believed the woman represents the nation of Israel.
2. Israel will be severely persecuted during the last half of the tribulation period.
3. Satan of course is believed to be the dragon.
4. The 1/3 of the stars may refer to Satan's past rebellion and the angels who followed him.
5. Satan of course persecuted Christ right from His birth, attempting to kill Him.
6. Jesus, will eventually rule the world during His 1000 year reign on earth.
7. Israel will flee during the latter portion of the tribulation period.
8. God will provide shelter for her at that time.
9. The war in heaven speaks angelic warfare.
More explanation, application, and reflection........
1. Satan and his angels do not win this battle.
2. Satan is said to deceive the whole world, this is what he does.
3. Satan is said to be the accuser of the brethren.
4. Satan is said to be overcome by God's people.
Final thoughts......
1. Spiritual warfare has been going on since the start of time as it were.
2. Always the efforts are against God and His people and His plans.
3. The primary focus of God's work is Jesus Christ.
4. Right to the end of time, satan will be actively opposing God and His work and His people.
5. God's people can and do prevail.
6. Overcoming is through our Savior.
7. Sharing Christ is a point of overcoming for God's people also.
8. Selflessness, is part of how we overcome also.
Just a few more final thoughts........
1. There really is something called spiritual warfare.
2. Paul speaks of it in Eph 6, and other places in the NT.
3. We stand against satan by putting on the armor of God in our lives.
4. One day the battle will be over.
5. Right now, we are in the thick of the battle.
6. Overcoming is our heritage, not defeat.
7. Defeat is what awaits satan and his angels
8. Victory and eternal glory awaits the people of God.
9. Do as he may satan will not prevail at the end of the day.
10. Stay in the Word of God and you will overcome the enemy of your soul.
May God richly bless you with His peace and His grace, and His mercies, which are new every morning,
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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