Tag: Revelation 12:7-12
Satan, Thrown Down to Earth
Scripture reading for December 16: Revelation 12
“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.” Revelation 12:7-11
By faith in God’s Word, we know that events on earth are tied to events in heaven. There is an invisible world that is more real than the physical world we can see and touch. John got to observe the war that was taking place in heaven. Michael, the Archangel assigned to Israel, was fighting against the dragon known as Satan. That great dragon was thrown down out of heaven to the earth in defeat and shame. He was noted to be the deceiver of the whole world and his fallen angels, now demons, who had rebelled with him were thrown down too. Those unsaved left on earth at that time would experience great woe because of the devil’s wrath against God and those made in His image.
But there was a great declaration of victory coming from a loud voice in heaven. The announcement that Satan had been thrown down and would no longer bring accusation against God’s people was great news. The loud voice declared the kingdom and power and salvation of Christ was now ushered in. Those who had suffered under Satan’s accusations and deception but had trusted in Christ’s shed blood and maintained their testimony of faith were overcomers! Even those who had been martyred for their faith were now alive and rejoicing at heaven’s victory through Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:12)
Have you experienced this war between Satan and those made in God’s image? How does any human being participate in this victory? Have you trusted in the ‘blood of the Lamb’ and stated that publicly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing victory for Your people through the shed blood of Your own Son. We believe on Jesus, the Christ, and by faith enter that kingdom and receive His power through the infilling of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses who willingly give that others may know. Amen.
The overcomers!
Scripture reading for December 26: Revelation 10-13
When we look at the world we live in and the formidable troubles that face all mankind, it is easy to become fearful and worry. Demonic forces are everywhere and it appears that they are winning. Pornography is prevalent everywhere. Terrorism and bloodshed are daily news for those who anxiously watch. Economic troubles, famines, and earthquakes are regular fare. Nations are uneasy with wars, rumors of war, nuclear weapons, rockets, and armies in readiness. Into this setting Christ, the Lamb slain, leads His followers and calls them to be overcomers!
John saw a repeat of the nativity story with a cosmic setting. This sign appeared in heaven showing a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman was pregnant and and in pain as she was about to give birth. (Revelation 12:1-2) John then saw another sign. There appeared a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on the heads. The dragon’s tail had swept a third of the stars from the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child the moment it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
The woman gave birth to a male Child, Who will rule all the nations! The Child was snatched up to God and His throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place God prepared for them. Then there was war in heaven between Michael the Archangel and his forces and the dragon and his angels. The dragon was hurled down to earth with his angels with him. The identity of the dragon was the “ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”. (Revelation 12:7-9)
A loud voice from heaven announced the coming of the kingdom of God and the hurling down of the accuser of the brothers. The brothers “overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) The heavens were rejoicing! All who dwelt there were encouraged to rejoice! Those on the earth, however, would have woe because the devil was enraged. He knew his time was short! (Revelation 12:12)
As believers, we are seated in the heavens in Christ. Heaven is our home. We can rejoice because we have overcome. The blood of Jesus speaks peace, joy, and pardon for all who will repent and trust the Lord! We are overcomers along with the forces of heaven! The devil is cast down and we are snatched up along with the Man-child Who was born to the woman! No matter what might happen to us on earth, the best is yet to come! Rejoice today and tell someone the good news! The devil’s time is short!
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.”
Victorious testimony
Scripture reading for December 16th: Job 8-11, 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 earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and 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 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.”
John had a ring-side seat to a war in heaven–of all places! Angels were fighting one another with Michael, Israel’s chief angel, fighting against the ancient serpent, Satan. Satan was the deceiver of the whole world and the accuser of God’s people. He lost the conflict and was cast out of heaven and down to earth along with his other rebellious angels. A loud voice in heaven made a declaration of victory: God’s salvation and kingdom had come and Christ was in authority. All Christ’s brothers (and sisters) now conquer the accuser, Satan, through the blood of Christ Jesus–the Lamb of God and by the word of their testimony of faith in Him. Victory is assured, even in their death through martyrdom!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory won for us who believe in You on the cross of Calvary and Your own blood. Help me to faithfully declare my testimony of faith in You and Your shed blood with the lost that they also might conquer their fallen adversary and know eternal life and Your steadfast love.
Job 10:12 “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.”