Revelation 12

This post follows from the last 2 posts, and is offered in the context of our look here at the “Christmas Story.” We have been going through some of the reasons for the Incarnation recently. In the post A Baby in the Temple, we saw that the prophecy of Simeon concerning the Christ Child gave an indication that there would be trouble ahead. Then we took a look at what Jesus Himself said on that subject in The Sword. Our tour brought us face to face with the reality of spiritual warfare in this world, and even though we may prefer not to think about such things during this season of celebration, it remains a daily challenge for all of us. Thus, we come now to Revelation chapter 12 to see the connection between the Incarnation of Christ and the concept of spiritual war.

Before I jump into the text, let me mention that this is not presented as a complete exegesis or full-fledged theological or eschatological analysis; I am not intending to either advance or refute any doctrine or doctrinal position. Rather, it is my view that a very simple survey of this text will reveal to any open minded Christian that there is a connection between the coming of Christ and the spiritual warfare in which each of us finds him or herself today. For best results, I would strongly recommend that you use the link above to review the text before you proceed.

In Revelation 12, we see an amazing picture: There is a woman who represents the remnant of God’s people Israel from which the long-promised Messiah came. Waiting for the birth was the devil himself, represented by the dragon, eager to devour the child upon his birth. A male child is born: Jesus Messiah. This child is snatched up to heaven to protect him from the dragon. Bearing in mind that this is an allegory, we see that Jesus is taken out of danger when in Matthew chapter 2 Herod sends his soldiers to Bethlehem to murder all male babies upon hearing of the birth. Further, Jesus is protected until the time comes for him to die on the cross, after which he ascends to heaven. The dragon is no happy camper as he is cast down from heaven, taking a third of the angels with him to make war on the woman, who is protected by God. Out of the dragon’s mouth comes a river of lies and accusations from which God delivers her, God’s people. The chapter ends in an interesting way, for having failed to destroy God’s people; the dragon turns his wrath on those who hold fast to their testimony about Jesus.

In the next chapter there are two beasts that come out of the sea to do the dragon’s bidding. The sea in prophecy represents this world, always churning and rolling. Much has been written about them, but suffice it for us to say that they are on the scene to make war on the followers of Jesus. Those who take upon themselves the mark of the beast will suffer judgment, while those who remain firm in Christ will receive redemption.

As I mentioned in the last post, there are many in this world of ours who do not want to make peace with God. The sword that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 10 is the sword of his Word, and His Word in due course will judge everyone. Neither you nor I are called to pass judgment on anyone, for we are called to share God’s love, not God’s wrath.

Did Jesus bring peace on earth when He arrived? The real answer is yes and no…

He brought peace for all who desire to be reconciled to Him through his blood shed on the cross. For those who refuse? Well, that is God’s call, not mine. In any event, the Adversary’s reaction to His coming was a call to arms, and that is the environment in which we serve our Master, the Lamb of God who came into this world in a manger in Bethlehem all those years ago.