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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
“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!
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