Tag: dragon
The accuser is conquered!
Scripture reading for December 17th: Revelation 12
Key Scriptures: Revelation 12:7-11 “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 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.”
The great tribulation, following the rapture of the saints, will be a time of great war in heaven. Michael, the arch-angel and protector of Israel will lead the fight against the dragon, Satan along with the fallen angels. The outcome of this war is certain–the dragon is defeated and his angels! He is cast out of heaven, no longer able to accuse the brothers of Jesus but knows he has only a short time to deceive, if possible the elect. He is thrown down to earth and the Jews of the tribulation who have now put their trust in Jesus Christ and His shed blood are martyred for their testimony and faithful stand. They overcome the devil, death, and hell through their unwavering faith! Praise our Lord for His great grace!
Revelation 12:12 “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, I am thankful that You have everything in heaven and on earth under Your almighty authority and Your will is being done with no one or nothing to hinder it. Thank You for Your grace for all who put their trust in the blood of Jesus Christ and give testimony to their faith. Help me to overcome the devil and his flood of evil, my flesh, and this world today by these amazing weapons of righteousness.
Revelation 12:16-17 “But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.”
The mark of the beast!
Scripture reading for December 22nd: Revelation 13:1-18
John describes two beasts who make war on the saints during the time of the great tribulation. The first beast comes out of the sea. This beast has seven heads and ten horns. Each head has a blasphemous name written on it and each horn had a crown. The dragon had given his power to this beast and the whole world was astonished and followed this beast and worshiped him. (Revelation 13:1-4) The sea often talks about the peoples of the earth.
This beast was given authority for forty two months–three and a half years. This beast was proud and uttered blasphemies against God and made war with the saints and conquered them. He had authority over every tribe, language, people and nation and all the earth worshiped this beast except for those whose names were written in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb that was slain! (Revelation 13:5-8) This was written to warn the saints on earth at this time to patiently endure in spite of the war against them.
The second beast came out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like the dragon. He was under the dragon’s control and made the people of earth worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. This beast also performed great signs and wonders and deceived the people of earth. He also forced everyone on earth to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. Without this mark, no one could do business. “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is a man’s number. His number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)
Much has been written and discussed over the years about this beast and his name and number. Many people have speculated about who this beast might be or where he will come from. Some think that we are very close today and that this mark will be some kind of computer chip implanted under the skin of the right hand or forehead. The main emphasis of this passage is to warn those who believe to use wisdom and stay faithful to God. God will protect His people and provide for them during this time. God’s people are sealed with the Holy Spirit and protected by His blood! They will overcome by standing firm in God!