Revelations 12 - 18 (30th December) - Weiling

The chapters ahead in Revelations may seem a little abstract, filled with seemingly mythological creatures. It is sometimes hard to confirm exactly what some of the creatures represent. Some are prophecies of the end time that we will only know when it unfolds. I will not attempt to interpret all of it but to just highlight some interesting points :)

This is how we overcome
In chapter 12, we read about a woman giving birth to a son and a dragon that threatened to devour the child. It is not immediately clear who the woman is, or who she represents. However, we know that the dragon is Satan as it was pointed out. The woman’s child is likely referring to Jesus; a male child “who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter”. (Ps 2:9; Rev 2:27) We see that the dragon “went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Rev 12:17) Satan is on the war path, because “…he is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Rev 12:12)

But we know that the victory is in the Lord and that we shall over come. Satan shall be overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of the saints’ (that’s us) testimony. (Rev 12:11) Indeed, let us also be aware of the spiritual realm of things aside from the physical of what we can see and touch. Let us be alert to stand firm and pray and resist the devil.

Patient endurance and faithfulness
“…This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.” (Rev 13:10) “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Rev 14:12) We can see a similar call to the saints in these two verses to be faithful and to patiently endure; which can only mean that there will be tough times. But we see that from Rev 15 on that God will mete out judgment and that He is in control. We have the final victory!