Vol.4, No.45 – November 10, 2019, Countdown to the end – 32
Now war arose in Heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back –Revelation 12:7
Germs of anti-Semitism are spreading to epidemic proportions – here in Revelation 12, but also in our present day.
Paul Johnson, in a classic writing, A History of the Jews, presents the entire Jewish phenomenon in a well-studied historical narrative. It is baffling to see the hatred and hostility that the state of Israel endures (including the Holocaust). It is tragic to hear the left wings of political parties in our world so easily joining, together, to mock, and call for defeat of the Jews.
However, nothing will compare with the atrocities and holocaust of the future.
In Revelation 12, the stage is set for the final consummation of the ages. Several authors write about the coming war. One such writer is John Milton, Paradise Lost, reflecting on the violent conflict to come.
After the conflict in Heaven, and the expulsion of Satan, Scripture tells us that in effect “all hell breaks loose on the woman and the man-child.” The woman is a metaphor of the state (nation) of Israel. The “offspring” is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Red Dragon seeks to destroy Christ by decree, prior to his birth to the Virgin Mary. That failed. Satan followed by entering the heart of Herod to effect the killing of all male children of two years and under in Bethlehem (House of Bread).
Satan’s plan backfires. He did get the Pharisees (the religionists) to put Jesus to death on the Cross; however, his conspiracy crashed and burned.
The ancient serpent (the Devil, Satan), brought his ace card to play: crucify the man-child on the Cross of Calvary. The dragon seems finally victorious; the Christ-child destined to rule the nations (the entire world), dies an ignominious death.
Down in the pit, Satan’s home, it is party time. Satan and his demons celebrate. God’s final chapter, however, is not yet written, and Satan is not “omniscient.” He does not know all things. The sovereign Almighty God intervenes with a resurrection, an ascension to the glory of Heaven, all measures of victory, of triumph. (There is more!)
Satan’s game of chess brings him to be check mated and mastered by the One he hates most. Like most losers, he responds as a caged animal. Chocked with fury, Satan is struggling to find ways to vent his anger and hatred. He cannot resist spite upon humanity, not the least of which is anti-Semitism.
Satan cannot touch Christ, so he attacks those Christ loves, the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the believing children of God.
There will be a looming period of terror ahead for Israel. The Scriptures paint the picture under a rubric of the Day of Jacob’s Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). The last half (three-and-one-half years) of the Great Tribulation is present in chapter 12. Bible versions use descriptive translations for this period: (1) a time and times and half a time, (2) 42 months, or (3) 1260 days. It is a period of waging war against God’s Chosen People.
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death – Revelation 12:11
This is overcoming; this is the victory of the children of God. Satan cannot win; Satan is a loser from “way back.”
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain –1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Worthy are you, our Lord and God! Revelation 4:11
He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! Revelation 2:7
Behold, Jesus is coming soon Revelation 22:6
Life Application
Do the words: steadfast, immovable, serving, testimony, and not afraid to die for Jesus describe our lives as children of the Most High God. There is none like Him.
Come behold the Wondrous Mystery Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery In the dawning of the King He the theme of heaven's praises Robed in frail humanity In our longing, in our darkness Now the light of life has come Look to Christ, who condescended Took on flesh to ransom us Come behold the wondrous mystery He the perfect Son of Man In His living, in His suffering Never trace nor stain of sin See the true and better Adam Come to save the hell-bound man Christ the great and sure fulfillment Of the law; in Him we stand See the price of our redemption See the Father's plan unfold Bringing many sons to glory Grace unmeasured, love untold Come behold the wondrous mystery Slain by death the God of life But no grave could e'er restrain Him Praise the Lord; He is alive! What a foretaste of deliverance How unwavering our hope Christ in power resurrected Christ in power resurrected As we will be when He comes
Come behold the wondrous mystery
