Podcast Episode 24 (Condensed)
Welcome back to Wytinsea Writes! We’re still in the book of Revelation (I know, I know). Today, we’re diving into Revelation 12. If you prefer the audio version of this, click here to listen to Revelation 12 podcast (available on Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, and Spotify). If you’re new to my blog, I encourage you to start with Revelation 1 and work your way up to this point. John the Revelator has been caught up in the spirit. The Lord is showing him great and marvelous prophetic visions. Revelation 12 is about the woman and the dragon. This chapter is very symbolic just like many other chapters in the book of Revelation are.
Revelation 12:1 NLT states, “Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth.”
So, the sign of the woman appeared in heaven, but the events that occur afterwards in the chapter take place on earth. This particular woman symbolizes Israel, so we must think beyond Mary. Yes, Mary was Jesus Christ’s earthly mother, but this is bigger than that. Genesis 42:6 talks about how one day the restored Israel will bow down to Jesus. Scripture will later confirm this in this chapter as well.
As we continue with verse 2, we discover that the woman experienced trauma giving birth. Later in the chapter, we learn that the child is appointed to rule the nations (reference to Jesus Christ). In Isaiah 7:14, it says, “Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us).” Even Isaiah 66:7 prophesies how a woman would deliver a son before pain comes upon her. This chapter is letting us know that Israel will bring forth Jesus before the tribulation period, but it will be painful. It will be painful. Israel’s refusal to accept the Messiah will cause the nation to experience tremendous unfortunate events in the tribulation period.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 correlates to Revelation 12 because it says, “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” In other words, it will not stop.
Revelation 12:3-6 NLT says, “Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. 5 She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to His throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.”
First, we know that the red dragon is Satan. The child is symbolic of Jesus Christ. The devil is the “god of the world” as 2 Corinthians 4:4 states. In John 12:31, Jesus calls Lucifer the “ruler of this world”. During the tribulation period, Satan’s influence will magnify at a level the world has never seen before.
Many scholars and bible teachers argue that verse 4, “one-third of the stars of heaven” refers to Satan’s ability to take one-third of the angels with him when he was kicked out of heaven or his earthly power at that time. The two opposing views are not a matter of salvation and we don’t actually know. I truly believe that it is the first option. Regardless, Satan and the fallen angels will one day be banished from normal communication with God once and for all. Satan opposes God’s plan to redeem mankind. Remember, even Herod tried to kill baby Jesus in Matthew 2:7-13. Lucifer has always tried to destroy Israel (even today). Think about all the wars, attacks, and antisemitic situations that have been constant between Israel and other nations for centuries. Ultimately, the devil’s hatred towards Israel will reach an all-time high in the latter part of the tribulation period.
Isaiah 9:6-7 reminds us how the child born (Jesus) will bear the government on His shoulders and there will be no end to His government and peace. He will rule with justice and righteousness. Additionally, Zechariah 6:13 prophesies that God will give His son Jesus the nations for His inheritance. Fortunately, the devil’s plan to destroy Jesus will never prosper. Thank you God for the rest of verse 5 because the woman’s child (Jesus Christ) was rescued and caught up to God and His throne in heaven. Hallelujah!
Let’s continue. Revelation 12:7-9 NLT states, “Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.”
Many who are unfamiliar with Michael may ask, who is he? Well, he is the archangel (Jude 1:9). He appears in scriptures as the defender of holiness and the goodness of God. Michael is a messenger of God. Thankfully, the dragon lost the battle, but I’m reminded how the devil and his demons are constantly at battle with us today. Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us that we are fighting against unseen demonic spirits in high places. The good news is that evil will not prevail or coexist with good, hence why the dragon (Satan) was thrown out of heaven.
Some people argue that in verse 9, Satan’s banishment from heaven refers to this initial rebellion against God before humans existed as mentioned in Ezekiel 28:14-17. Although scripture doesn’t tell us explicitly, it is something to think about.
As Revelation 12:10-12 continues, it says, “10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last— salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”
What I love is how John hears a loud voice cheering about how Satan and his demons have been thrown out of heaven. This is proof that God will deliver His people from the devil’s evil antics. In Revelation 20, we will later learn that Satan and his demons will be casted in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. Verse 11 is a joyous scripture. It mentions the believers on earth during the tribulation period. All believers can be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19).
See, the devil knows his time is drawing nigh to be thrown into the bottomless pit. He is desperate to gather as many souls as possible to go with him before he is confined to the lake of fire. In this chapter, he only has 1,260 days to do what he “can” to those left.
The ending of the chapter lets us know what the devil will do in his last days of freedom. Verses 13-18 says, “When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But she was given two wings like those of a great eagle so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time.
15 Then the dragon tried to drown the woman with a flood of water that flowed from his mouth. 16 But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that gushed out from the mouth of the dragon. 17 And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus. 18 Then the dragon took his stand on the shore beside the sea.”
In other words, Satan deliberately persecutes Israel because he hates Israel for how it brought Jesus into the world. Micah 5:2 reminds us how the ruler of Israel would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah in Judah, so we know this is true. The devil will always hate Jesus and God’s chosen nation, Israel. Hence why the warfare is so great in Israel today. The good news is that the devil’s ultimate attack on Israel did not prevail. Thank God for His protection.
One part that sticks out in scripture is “time, times, and a half”. After careful studying, this equals 3 ½ years which is the timeframe of the latter half of the tribulation period. So, just to clarify, the woman is Israel, the child is baby Jesus, and the dragon is Satan. The good news about the end of this chapter is that Lucifer’s last attempt to destroy Israel doesn’t succeed because God helps the woman. Hallelujah! There are some phrases that could be taken symbolically instead of literally. After careful studying, when God opens His mouth to swallow the river, it could symbolize a sort of earthquake (just a thought).
Overall, the devil is big mad that his attack on Israel didn’t succeed, just like the many people who wrongfully attack Israel will be in the end when they see that theirs won’t prevail either. Today, Satan has turned his attention to the remnant of believers on earth. The closer it gets to Jesus Christ’s return, the more aggressive, desperate, and angrier Satan will become because he knows his fate. But we must remember Numbers 24:9. It says, “whoever blesses Israel will be blessed and whoever curses Israel will be cursed”. Israel is God’s chosen nation despite how society or anyone feels. God’s heart for Israel is made very clear throughout scripture and we must hold tightly to the Word of God.
Although so much occurs in Revelation 12, there is hope. Those of us who trusts in God, have hope. We don’t have to worry about being cast in the bottomless pit with Satan if we repent of our sins, obey the Word of God, trust in Him, and follow the narrow path of life. Where most people go wrong is when they pursue a broad path that goes against God’s Word. Matthew 7:13-14 tells us that “13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
Will you find it? Although the road to following Jesus gets difficult, it is possible. We must stay at the feet of Jesus. Our heart posture must be one of pure surrender. Romans 12:12 ESV says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Deuteronomy 31:6 EVS states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” With that said, you go and be blessed. And as always, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Until next time, with Wytinsea Writes!
