The Dragon couldn’t win his war against Jesus or Archangel Michael, as covered two and three weeks ago. He was hurled to the earth and kept fighting. This time he waged war directly with the woman, as seen in the rest of Revelation chapter 12.
Revelation 12:13-17 13 When
the dragon saw
that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth
to the male child. 14 The
woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the
wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.15 Then
from his mouth the serpent spewed
water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16 But the
earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the
dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 Then
the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s
commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.
We discussed a few weeks ago that the woman could
represent the nation of Israel or people of God. As verse 17 clarifies, we can
know for sure that her offspring are those who are followers of Jesus so we are
part of the woman’s offspring! Satan couldn’t win against Jesus, Michael, or
the woman (since God’s power in and around them was far greater) so he wages
war against us.
War is a strong word. It doesn’t say merely
“tempt” or “deceive,” but “wage war against.” If you and I hold to the
testimony of Jesus and obey God’s commands, Satan wants to make war against us.
It is crucial that we’re aware of the reality of this spiritual warfare.
Even amid this war, we have hope and protection
in God. As God took care of the woman, He can take care of us. In Ephesians 6,
Paul outlines God’s armor available to us for our protection against Satan’s
attacks.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on
the full armor of God, so that
you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that
when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you
have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your
waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In
addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take
the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
What armor will you and I put on and use today to
fight in the Dragon’s war? Will you and I buckle
on the belt of truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, and take up the
shield of faith? Let's be intentional about putting on God's armor and standing
firm against the devil's attacks.
