Anyway, my point is, few things disturb me. But one thing that does disturb me is satan. I like to read about what movies are coming up and the interesting stories that people come up with, though i don't watch a whole bunch of movies : T (too much time and money). But I will not and could not ever watch a movie thats coming out called "antichrist". One critic describes the movie as twisted, depraved, and troubling. Thats just about how I feel about satan.
satan has power enough to really torment people if God allows it (and when He allows it, it works to His glory, such as when satan used Judas and the Sanhedrin and everyone involved in Christ's crucifiction. Those were horrible sins that facilitated the greatest sacrifice and glorious act of love ever.)
Afraid?
No.
I know God is sovereign.
Troubled, bothered, anxious?
Ya. a bit.
That all being said, this passage is about satan trying kill Jesus.....
Rev 12:1-6 The Woman and the dragon
A "sign" appeared in heaven, looking like a woman wearing the sun and standing on the moon, with 12 stars crowning her head. She is pregnant and giving birth. There are four woman representation in Revelation, each symbolizing something different. (2:20, 17:3-6, 19:7). But this woman is clearly representing Israel. The 12 stars are the giveaway. Those would be the tribes of Israel. The sun and the moon are a bit tricky and I'm not sure exactly what they mean but J. Mac says that the sun symbolizes the exalted status of Israel while the moon symbolizes God's covenant relationship with them (as new moons were associated with worship). I think the total encompassment of the then understood heavenly realm (sun moon and stars) may also point to the ordained and holy nature of the event of Christ's birth. This was no ordinary child, no ordinary birth. The mention of birth pains and the woman crying out is likely synonymous with Israel's cry for a saviour and king.
In verse three a great red dragon appears that is satan. In verse 9 of this chapter it says "And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and satan...." The dragon is described as having seven heads with seven diadems and ten horns. The seven heads and diadems (which are crowns) probably refers to satan's rule over nations during the tribulation and the 10 horns (as learned at bcc) represent power. The dragons tail then sweeps a third of the stars and causes them to fall to earth. Since this happens at the same time as the dragon's fall, these stars are probably other fallen angels.
The dragon seeks to devour the child, who is mentioned to be male, which further identifies the child as Christ. Also the "child was caught up to God and His throne." So I'm very sure this is Christ. He will rule all the nations with an iron rod. This may be a reference to Christ's power to crush rebelious nations (as in Psalm 2:8-9) or His royal rule. Either way satan fails and Christ prevails.
The woman is protected by God in the wilderness for 3 and a half years. Theres two takes on this. First, some believe that this is the present protection from the beast until he is released during the tribulation. Though I am more inclined to believe, because of other scripture, that this is the last half of the tribulation where God's followers are being persecuted and must flee to the wilderness. God does not forsake his people.
Things I realize: The one thing that really stands out to me is the imagery of a "great red dragon" failing to devour a pregnant woman and her infant child. Honestly, if God can protect such helplessness, then how secure I am! To be loved by God is such comfort and peace and contentment. Yes bad things may happen and persecution may take place but God is sovereign over that. So what makes me feel secure is that, though I may experience some horrible things, under God's protection. I can't really explain how my heart feels but its something like.... I am protected from utter destruction, even in persecution I am protected by knowing I am saved, I am protected knowing God is sovereign. I suppose, as anxious as I said I am concerning satan, I'm confident of God's love for me, that He won't abandon me as I am in Christ.
Tomorrow Rev 12: 7-17 satan Thrown Down to Earth
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