December 26
Are You Ready?
Read Revelation 15-16
Rev 16:15 “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
DO THE plagues of Revelation 16 remind you of another time of God redeeming his people? See Exodus chapters 7-11, and you’ll see the plagues of Egypt that are similar and the same—water turned to blood, darkness, and sores.
The theme of the second exodus runs through Revelation. The God of the beginning and the end set his salvation in motion when he called Abraham to be the father of numberless people. The vision of uncountable people in Heaven, the plagues on the earth that demonstrate God’s invincible power once again, and the ultimate freedom of his people from persecution tell us God is on his throne. All activity comes under his hand, and he we are not to trifle with him, doubting his ultimate authority over our eternal lives.
The Apostle Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:2) the church to be ready for such an appearance by the King of Judgment. John warns us, too, in this picture of the end.
People are fearful of this day. Why? Are they not ready?
Pause and Consider: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. (Prov 1:7). Fear also prepares you for the final judgment.
December 27
Victory in the Lord
Read Revelation 17
Rev 17:6-7 When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.
WHAT IS the meaning of this?
The seven heads of the beast are seven hills on which the woman sits. Rome is the “city of the seven hills”. Rome is the ‘Mother of prostitutes’. And the seven heads also represent seven kings. The phrase “five have fallen” means that the majority of kings have come and gone. One is currently on the throne, and one has not yet come. When he does come, he must remain for a little while because ‘the time is near’ (1:3). After his departure the beast will reveal itself in an eighth king, who is not a newcomer, for he has already appeared as one of the seven.
It is believed this 8th king is Nero. He was emperor of Rome who severely persecuted Christians. But he is going to his destruction, as every God-opposing monster goes.
The ten horns are ten kings. They are with the Antichrist, the leader of Rome. They rule satellite states. But they have not yet received a kingdom, and they will receive their authority along with the beast for a short time. God allows but limits their rampage!
Their war against the Lamb is useless, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. His called, chosen and faithful followers will share his victory.
Pause and Consider: Jesus is truly King and Conqueror.
December 28
God Invites You Out of Exile
Read Revelation 18
Rev 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.”
AS YOU may recall, in the studies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, we saw God’s judging his people for their sins by sending them into exile to Babylon. And we saw his great love in the salvation of his people by bringing them out of Babylon to be with him again.
The image here of Babylon is a picture of Rome in John’s time. Rome is the country persecuting God’s people. Rome, as was Babylon, is the most powerful country on the earth. John’s Jewish readers would clearly understand the connection between Rome of their day and Babylon in their history.
And the promise God gives to John is the same promise God gave to Ezekiel. God will rescue his people out of “Babylon” and welcome them home to a life with him. The day came when Rome stopped persecuting Christians and became the center of the Christian world.
We can be strengthened and encouraged today that one day God will deliver his Church from today’s persecution and into a glorious place with him. He will bring the Church out of its “exile” where it is demeaned and diminished and welcomed “home” into a place of triumph.
Again, this applies to your individual life, too. Are you feeling you are in “exile” from God for some reason? Then know he wants you to be with him. Go to him. Give yourself to him. And live a life of joy with him.
Pause and Consider: God wants you to be with him.
December 29
The Perfect Marriage
Read Revelation 19
Revelation 19:6-8 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, the righteous acts of the saints, are bright and clean, was given her to wear.”
WEDDINGS are beautiful occasions. The bride long plans. The groom steps into his place, and they are prayerfully joined into a one-flesh union God declared in Genesis. A flesh-to-flesh, spirit-to-spirit relationship between man and woman perfects God’s creation.
God was in that first union. He had created it. He made it perfect. History has been God’s long plan to restore that sin-broken perfect union. John’s vision describes that time!
Thus, as we come to the restored perfect union between God and his people for eternity, the wedding image is fitting, isn’t it?
Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who is joined with his bride—the Church, all who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior. They come in white linen because his blood has made them clean. And now the church is holy and righteous.
Oh, my! John writes further in Rev 19:9-10: “‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’ 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him.”
Yes! Worship such a Savior who joins with us for eternity. Give him thanks, and celebrate your holy God.
You can trust such a marvelous perfect God who weds you into a perfect, holy, eternal union with Him.
Pause and Consider: how God unites with you.
December 30
One Final Heart Check
Read Revelation 20
Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
GOOD vs. evil, God vs. Satan is the battle waged from beginning to end in Scripture. Hopefully in a time of reading of God’s holiness, his judgment, his grace and his salvation, you have come to a deeper understanding that the battle never lets up until this time of completion. We must live in trust that our God reigns. In his reign he moves all things to his purpose to bring you to his home forever.
This chapter is a picture of God binding Satan for a period of time, then releasing him, then condemning him forever. It is a picture of a time of peace in Christ’s Church. Then God loosens Satan for a short time. There’s always the question, “Why would God not just bind him once and forever?”
The answer may be that God is using Satan to check his people’s hearts. God allowed Satan into Eden to see what kind of hearts his people had. We failed. One more time, he’ll do this. The unfaithful will perish. This is the last opportunity to turn your faith to Jesus. There will be no more salvation offered to those who do not trust God. The faithless die. The faithful will live.
And then God will end it. For all time his presence will fill the new heaven and earth described in the final two chapters.
How is your heart? Would God find you faithful amid Satan’s temptations? Satan is tempting you now. Stand firm in your God, and let him fill you forever.
Pause and Consider: how you must always be on guard to defeat Satan’s evil.
December 31
Drink God’s Life Water
Read Revelation 21-22
Rev 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
WHAT ELSE is there to say? Trust your God. He has given himself entirely to you so that you may enter freely into his home.
Will you accept his invitation? Go to him from wherever you are—rich or poor, happy or sad, sick or healthy, hopeless or hopeful, confused or decided, indifferent or determined, proud or humble—whatever your state of mind, body and soul, you can go more fully with God.
Yes, you can listen to the power of his living Word, Jesus Christ. You can experience the power of the Holy Spirit. You can feel in these words the expression of the Father’s love.
Accept his invitation now to dwell more fully with him. Anticipate a wonderful life with your heavenly Father.
Trust his salvation in all he gives to you. After all, he gives you everything.
Amen.
Bob James
Working Everyday for the King of Kings
Saturday, December 24, 2011
December 24, 2911 Live Forever
Day 40: December 24
Luke 2:12-14 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
DID YOU ever wonder why God, the eternal Father, the creator of the universe, the one who has made majestic mountains and one-cell animals—would have his very own Son born in a manger?
I’ve been around mangers. They’re dirty. Animals drool into a manger as they eat, and who knows what other organisms live there? Oh, God, couldn’t you at least have opened a room in the crowded inn for your own Son?
Actually, you could ask a number of “why questions” about Jesus’ life. Why was he born into lower-class working family? Why did he wait until he was 30 to begin ministering? Why did people hate him so? Why did they kill him?
Based on the Bible—the beginning to end—I believe the Father’s answer would be something like this:
“Why, you ask, did I allow My Son to have such a hard birth, life and death? It was all for you, my child. You see, my Son is my gift to you. Through him, I have shown you how much I love you. Sending my Son from the most glorious existence in Heaven to the lowliest place on earth was a hard thing to do. But it was and is for you. I wanted to show you real humility, so that you would be humble to let my words teach you. You would be humbled to know I will do anything to save you.
“I wanted my Son to know what work is like for you, so he could understand your frustrations and pain as you turn to him in prayer. My Son’s life was to show you I am willing to do anything to have you turn and call me Father. My Son’s death was to open the doorway to my home for you forever.
“This is all for you, my child. I am a God who walks with you everywhere, even when it stinks, when it’s uncomfortable, when it’s downright hard. My Son has experienced this. He knows your needs. Trust him, and turn to him. When you do, I promise I will welcome you into my home. And we—me, my Son, Spirit and you—will live together forever in the glory the shepherds saw that night.”
Pause and consider God’s eternal gift for you. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If you have yet to do so, here’s God’s promise to you if you do:
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Get on your knees. Pray to God, “Lord, God, I have sinned against you. I am lost without you. Lord, please forgive me of my sins. Take the burden of sin from me as you have promised. Lord, I trust your promise. I receive Jesus into my heart as my Savior. Holy Spirit, guide me in your power that I may live joyfully in a forever friendship with you, the Father, and the Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Pray this prayer. Receive the gift and live forever.
Luke 2:12-14 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
DID YOU ever wonder why God, the eternal Father, the creator of the universe, the one who has made majestic mountains and one-cell animals—would have his very own Son born in a manger?
I’ve been around mangers. They’re dirty. Animals drool into a manger as they eat, and who knows what other organisms live there? Oh, God, couldn’t you at least have opened a room in the crowded inn for your own Son?
Actually, you could ask a number of “why questions” about Jesus’ life. Why was he born into lower-class working family? Why did he wait until he was 30 to begin ministering? Why did people hate him so? Why did they kill him?
Based on the Bible—the beginning to end—I believe the Father’s answer would be something like this:
“Why, you ask, did I allow My Son to have such a hard birth, life and death? It was all for you, my child. You see, my Son is my gift to you. Through him, I have shown you how much I love you. Sending my Son from the most glorious existence in Heaven to the lowliest place on earth was a hard thing to do. But it was and is for you. I wanted to show you real humility, so that you would be humble to let my words teach you. You would be humbled to know I will do anything to save you.
“I wanted my Son to know what work is like for you, so he could understand your frustrations and pain as you turn to him in prayer. My Son’s life was to show you I am willing to do anything to have you turn and call me Father. My Son’s death was to open the doorway to my home for you forever.
“This is all for you, my child. I am a God who walks with you everywhere, even when it stinks, when it’s uncomfortable, when it’s downright hard. My Son has experienced this. He knows your needs. Trust him, and turn to him. When you do, I promise I will welcome you into my home. And we—me, my Son, Spirit and you—will live together forever in the glory the shepherds saw that night.”
Pause and consider God’s eternal gift for you. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? If you have yet to do so, here’s God’s promise to you if you do:
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Get on your knees. Pray to God, “Lord, God, I have sinned against you. I am lost without you. Lord, please forgive me of my sins. Take the burden of sin from me as you have promised. Lord, I trust your promise. I receive Jesus into my heart as my Savior. Holy Spirit, guide me in your power that I may live joyfully in a forever friendship with you, the Father, and the Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Pray this prayer. Receive the gift and live forever.
Friday, December 23, 2011
December 24, 2011 A Walk of Faith
A Walk of Faith
Read Luke 2
Luke 2:4-5 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
JOSEPH and Mary are on an 80-mile walk from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. The journey would take about 5-8 days, depending on how everyone was feeling. These are the next steps of God’s magnificent plan to save the world.
Centuries. Consider the years of promises and prophecies from Abraham to Isaac to Joseph to Moses to Samuel to David to Isaiah to Daniel to Joseph and Mary. Wait. “Joseph and Mary”, can we say their names in the same breath with the mighty, godly heroes of Israel’s history? Joseph and Mary are misfits, impoverished, scared and just following the crowd.
Or are they misfits? Joseph and Mary are surely as much a part of God’s plan of salvation as the “mighty and famous”. Actually these men were mere mortals, too, until God said, “You!”
God takes “misfits” and fits them perfectly into his plan. That’s why he’s called you. Yes, you. You’re really not a misfit. You may think you are, but you’re not.
When you say, “Yes, Lord.” you enter into a journey that goes step by step to where God fits you perfectly to Him. He takes you to the places he needs you to go—a crowded town, a stinky stable, a sheep pasture, a rocky road, a mountain top, a fertile plain, a cross, Heaven. Enjoy the wonder of your journey with him and to him.
Pause and Consider: how God makes you fit into his love.
Read Luke 2
Luke 2:4-5 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
JOSEPH and Mary are on an 80-mile walk from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. The journey would take about 5-8 days, depending on how everyone was feeling. These are the next steps of God’s magnificent plan to save the world.
Centuries. Consider the years of promises and prophecies from Abraham to Isaac to Joseph to Moses to Samuel to David to Isaiah to Daniel to Joseph and Mary. Wait. “Joseph and Mary”, can we say their names in the same breath with the mighty, godly heroes of Israel’s history? Joseph and Mary are misfits, impoverished, scared and just following the crowd.
Or are they misfits? Joseph and Mary are surely as much a part of God’s plan of salvation as the “mighty and famous”. Actually these men were mere mortals, too, until God said, “You!”
God takes “misfits” and fits them perfectly into his plan. That’s why he’s called you. Yes, you. You’re really not a misfit. You may think you are, but you’re not.
When you say, “Yes, Lord.” you enter into a journey that goes step by step to where God fits you perfectly to Him. He takes you to the places he needs you to go—a crowded town, a stinky stable, a sheep pasture, a rocky road, a mountain top, a fertile plain, a cross, Heaven. Enjoy the wonder of your journey with him and to him.
Pause and Consider: how God makes you fit into his love.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
December 23, 2011 Time to Celebrate Jesus
Time to Celebrate Jesus’ Birth!
Read Luke 1
Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
ENTER MARY. She’s the virgin. Oh my, Mary’s virginity is a very big deal! In Genesis, right after Eve and Adam turned their trust from God, God turned to them and said he would turn their mistrust into trust through the seed of a woman—not a woman and a man, but a woman.
And in Isaiah 7:14, we read the prophecy, “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means God come down.)
Oh, yes. It has been God’s plan for over 2,000 years to send his Son from the limitless heaven to the limits of humanity. Here is the moment. This little teenaged virgin he picked out of every woman who would ever live is Mary, simple and pure. Mary, highly favored.
Guess what. You are like Mary. Yes, you are, even if you’re a man or not a virgin. God had a special purpose for highly favored Mary. And God has a special purpose for highly favored you.
Do you think I’m crazy? I’m not. I’m just looking at God, looking at the cross, and looking at God’s Word. Yes, you are highly favored. Immanuel came through the virgin to free you from sin, to point you to Heaven, and to give your life a special purpose. Oh yes, my friend you are highly favored!
Pause and Consider: God’s favor of salvation is over you forever.
Read Luke 1
Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
ENTER MARY. She’s the virgin. Oh my, Mary’s virginity is a very big deal! In Genesis, right after Eve and Adam turned their trust from God, God turned to them and said he would turn their mistrust into trust through the seed of a woman—not a woman and a man, but a woman.
And in Isaiah 7:14, we read the prophecy, “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Immanuel means God come down.)
Oh, yes. It has been God’s plan for over 2,000 years to send his Son from the limitless heaven to the limits of humanity. Here is the moment. This little teenaged virgin he picked out of every woman who would ever live is Mary, simple and pure. Mary, highly favored.
Guess what. You are like Mary. Yes, you are, even if you’re a man or not a virgin. God had a special purpose for highly favored Mary. And God has a special purpose for highly favored you.
Do you think I’m crazy? I’m not. I’m just looking at God, looking at the cross, and looking at God’s Word. Yes, you are highly favored. Immanuel came through the virgin to free you from sin, to point you to Heaven, and to give your life a special purpose. Oh yes, my friend you are highly favored!
Pause and Consider: God’s favor of salvation is over you forever.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
December 22, 2011 The Gospel Reigns
The Gospel Reigns
Read Revelation 14
Rev 14:6-7 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
THE GOSPEL reigns. In the midst of the tribulation is the message of salvation. The “angels” are humans who are called to prophecy—to preach and teach the gospel. What else is there to do? From beginning to end the Bible is the message of salvation—even when the people of the world seem to be far from their creator.
The gospel is the sharp sickle that reaps the harvest. The gospel is that winepress that separates the saved from the wicked. The King reigns, and his will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
The 144,000 are the “firstfruits to God and the Lamb”. They are soldiers of the Lamb with the mark of God on their foreheads. The redeemed of the earth have not yet arrived as the warriors do battle for the Lamb of God.
Yes, the Gospel reigns. Be faithful in the midst of trials. Trust the sharp edge of God’s truth to destroy the doubts and fears in your life.
Pause and Consider: you have the sharp weapon of truth at your disposal.
Read Revelation 14
Rev 14:6-7 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
THE GOSPEL reigns. In the midst of the tribulation is the message of salvation. The “angels” are humans who are called to prophecy—to preach and teach the gospel. What else is there to do? From beginning to end the Bible is the message of salvation—even when the people of the world seem to be far from their creator.
The gospel is the sharp sickle that reaps the harvest. The gospel is that winepress that separates the saved from the wicked. The King reigns, and his will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
The 144,000 are the “firstfruits to God and the Lamb”. They are soldiers of the Lamb with the mark of God on their foreheads. The redeemed of the earth have not yet arrived as the warriors do battle for the Lamb of God.
Yes, the Gospel reigns. Be faithful in the midst of trials. Trust the sharp edge of God’s truth to destroy the doubts and fears in your life.
Pause and Consider: you have the sharp weapon of truth at your disposal.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
December 21, 2011 The Devil Deceives
The Devil Deceives
Read Revelation 13
Rev 13:1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads; on each of its horns there was a crown, and on each of its heads there was a name that was insulting to God.
“THE BEAST from the sea and the beast from the land form a kind of evil trinity. Satan claims to be God; the antichrist is the false Christ of Satan; and the beast from the earth performs the function of an unholy spirit.
The antichrist persuades the world to worship the devil. He has a fatal wound but lives, in a monstrous imitation of the resurrected Christ of God. The second beast seeks to persuade the world to worship the antichrist by his witness in word and deed, as the Holy Spirit witnesses to God’s Christ. And through the mark of the beast (itself a parody of the seal of God) he creates a devilish imitation of the church of Christ. So John depicts the world as divided between followers of the Truth and followers of the Lie.”
And then there is the “name that was insulting to God”. Who is that? “Despite the many possibilities that the number 666 yields, it is virtually certain that the individual thereby indicated was known in all the churches addressed by John, and probably far wider. The name Nero Caesar transliterated into Hebrew from Greek yields the number 666.”
Nero pointed to himself as a god to worship. In John’s day he was the devil’s false Christ and great persecution came in his rule. Again, God shows John that for a time, in his providence, he will allow persecution on his church and his people. And he also shows he is victorious.
Pause and Consider: how vital it is to know the truth.
Read Revelation 13
Rev 13:1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads; on each of its horns there was a crown, and on each of its heads there was a name that was insulting to God.
“THE BEAST from the sea and the beast from the land form a kind of evil trinity. Satan claims to be God; the antichrist is the false Christ of Satan; and the beast from the earth performs the function of an unholy spirit.
The antichrist persuades the world to worship the devil. He has a fatal wound but lives, in a monstrous imitation of the resurrected Christ of God. The second beast seeks to persuade the world to worship the antichrist by his witness in word and deed, as the Holy Spirit witnesses to God’s Christ. And through the mark of the beast (itself a parody of the seal of God) he creates a devilish imitation of the church of Christ. So John depicts the world as divided between followers of the Truth and followers of the Lie.”
And then there is the “name that was insulting to God”. Who is that? “Despite the many possibilities that the number 666 yields, it is virtually certain that the individual thereby indicated was known in all the churches addressed by John, and probably far wider. The name Nero Caesar transliterated into Hebrew from Greek yields the number 666.”
Nero pointed to himself as a god to worship. In John’s day he was the devil’s false Christ and great persecution came in his rule. Again, God shows John that for a time, in his providence, he will allow persecution on his church and his people. And he also shows he is victorious.
Pause and Consider: how vital it is to know the truth.
Monday, December 19, 2011
December 20, 2011 God Protects His Church
God Protects His Church
Read Revelation 12
Rev 12:10 “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.”
JESUS’ AUTHORITY triumphs over the devil. This scripture summarizes the events of Chapter 12.
The woman is the church. The dragon is the devil. The church is in heaven because Jesus has won victory over evil and ascended to heaven. The devil in his awesome power, symbolized in Rev 12:4 “His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky”, goes to heaven to try to defeat the church.
But the power of heaven defeats the dragon and sends him to earth. In the meantime, God has sent his church to the desert, far away from the dragon in the sea. God’s protection of his people in the desert mirrors the Exodus. God’s people then were released from slavery and the devil’s hold in Egypt. They are now released from and protected from the devil for 3 ½ years of extreme persecution.
And again, the theme is clear, amid this great persecution, God protects his church. Jesus’ blood and resurrection is the eternal triumph. All forces of evil will battle against our Lord. And he will overcome.
Live with Jesus. Trust in his victory. Overcome the evil that wants to destroy you.
Pause and Consider: how being in a “desert” can bring you closer to Jesus.
Read Revelation 12
Rev 12:10 “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.”
JESUS’ AUTHORITY triumphs over the devil. This scripture summarizes the events of Chapter 12.
The woman is the church. The dragon is the devil. The church is in heaven because Jesus has won victory over evil and ascended to heaven. The devil in his awesome power, symbolized in Rev 12:4 “His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky”, goes to heaven to try to defeat the church.
But the power of heaven defeats the dragon and sends him to earth. In the meantime, God has sent his church to the desert, far away from the dragon in the sea. God’s protection of his people in the desert mirrors the Exodus. God’s people then were released from slavery and the devil’s hold in Egypt. They are now released from and protected from the devil for 3 ½ years of extreme persecution.
And again, the theme is clear, amid this great persecution, God protects his church. Jesus’ blood and resurrection is the eternal triumph. All forces of evil will battle against our Lord. And he will overcome.
Live with Jesus. Trust in his victory. Overcome the evil that wants to destroy you.
Pause and Consider: how being in a “desert” can bring you closer to Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
