12/20/15 "Unto us a child is born..." - Revelation 12

By w:Herrad of Landsberg ([1]) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Revelation 12

Intro: We tend to think of the birth of Christ from an earthly perspective: the manger, the shepherds, the wise men, etc. But there is much to learn from the cosmic perspective.

Genesis 3:15 starts our journey down this path, but it continues throughout the Bible...

Setting the Stage (identity of the Woman & Child): Revelation 12:1-6

“sign in heaven” - first time this term is used in Revelation & certainly represents a symbolic teaching will follow. So what do the following symbols represent?

The Woman – the faithful ones of God

Many suggestions have been made as to the exact identification of this woman. Some suggest Mary (the mother of Jesus), the nation of Israel, or the church.

It seems this woman is the faithful ones of God – she changes throughout the chapter. At first she seems to represent the faithful of Israel (v.1-6) but after she gives birth she seems to represent the church (v.13-17). The woman is not the main character of this chapter and we will not spend much time looking at her. It is more important to notice her children...

The Male Child – Jesus Christ

The identifying phrase “rod of iron” – see Psalm 2:9, Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15

If this phrase was the only identifying mark of this child, then it would be clear the child is none other than Jesus Christ. He “was caught up to God and to His throne” (v.5) which most certainly happened when Jesus ascended into heaven.

The War in Heaven: Revelation 12:7-12

The Dragon – Serpent, Devil, Satan

“ancient serpent” - this phrase brings back memories of his first appearance in Gen. 3
“devil” - means accuser or slanderer

“Satan” - means adversary

All of the above titles give us a glimpse of who this dragon is and what his intentions are. There is nothing good spoken about him here and he is easily defeated by the Lord's angel (Michael). It is clear that God is in control and He is the only all-powerful being!

Application for today: How do we overcome Satan? v.11 clearly teaches it is by “the Lamb's blood and because of the word of their testimony”

The Others: Revelation 12:13-17

“devour” - this is what the devil does (see 1 Peter 5:8)

Satan's influence from v.1 to v.13 changes from heaven to the earth

“wings of an eagle” - see Ex 19:4, Deut 32:10-12, Is 40:31These wings represent God's protection given in times of need. The woman seems to represent the church in these verses because they are the faithful ones of God during this time.

The dragon sees his own incapability to destroy the woman or her son. He then turns his attention to the other children of the woman. These are the ones “who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony.” (v.17) Satan has decided to attack Christians and he is still trying to do this even today. But we can overcome him just as others have before us... by “the Lamb's blood and because of the word of their testimony” (v.11).

Conclusion:

Our Lord's birth, life, and death impacted not only life on this earth but also the heavens. The gospel message is bigger than this earth and its influence reaches everywhere! We have been blessed to be a part of God's plan!

12/13/15 God's Plan for the Remnant - Zephaniah 3:9-20

Zephaniah 3

Intro: Zephaniah 3:7-8 The Day of the Lord is a day all must face. The children of God thought that this judgment was only for the “other nations” and they looked forward to the others being judged harshly. Little did they know that they too would have to face God's judgment and God was not very happy with their actions.

Remnant of the faithful – Zephaniah 3:9-13

key verse: v.12b

God spoke here of an almost unimaginable time when the faithful remnant will return to the destroyed nation of Israel. This is possible because of God's amazing grace. This remnant consists of those who trust in the name of the Lord and call upon it (v.9&12). If God could restore a broken nation, then what would He do today if we will choose to be part of His “faithful remnant”.

Reason to rejoice – Zephaniah 3:14-17

key verse(s): v.14b-15 Notice the reasons to rejoice...

- punishment – has been taken away by the mercy of the Lord

- the enemy – He has turned them back (or changed their course away from you)

- the Lord is with you – Is there a better reason to rejoice then this! See also v.17

Notice that these reasons applied to them but they are also still reasons to rejoice today.

Restoration – Zephaniah 3:18-20

key verse: 20

Notice all the things that God says “I will...”. Ultimately there will be a total restoration of God's children. We can see from the Bible and from history that God did restore Israel. But more importantly than this temporary physical restoration of a nation, God sent His Son into that very nation to bring about a full restoration of all those who choose to be faithful to the Lord and call on His name.

Conclusion: Most of the above passage is speaking of a time when the faithful remnant of God will return from the exile among the nations and be restored as a nation once again. However, the points God make are very relevant to us today as well. This passage can also apply to God giving us a reason to rejoice and praise Him in the time of the New Testament.