WAR IN HEAVEN AND CONFLICT ON EARTH

REVELATION 12

Lesson 15

Introduction:  History is marked by the appearance and conduct of individuals who have affected the people of this earth by their actions.  Our study in Revelation chapter 12 introduces us to five important components of the tribulation period. In a brief moment let us identify these important players of the tribulation.  The woman  represents Israel; the dragon represents Satan; the man child  refers to Christ; Michael speaks of an angel; and Israel is the remnant of the seed of the women.  Keeping the overall picture in mind, remember the Church has been taken to heaven, and I Thess. 4:13-18 is history when these events unfold.  The first 3 ½ years of the tribulation have taken place. (Jeremiah 30:7 and Romans 11:26)                         

         I.      The woman clothed with the sun. (Vs 1,2)

a.       The correct translation is “sign” not wonder.

1.       This sign indicates an important truth to be revealed.

2.       The woman is seen with child.

3.       We believe the woman represents Israel.

a)       The sun and moon from Gen 37:9-11 represented Jacob and Rachel, identifying the woman with the fulfillment of Abrahamic covenant.

b)       The twelve stars refer to the twelve tribes of Israel.

c)       She is the source of much blessing as we think of the Bible, Christ and the Apostles.

d)       The persecution she endured coincides with persecution of Israel.

       II.      Satan, the great red dragon (Vs. 3, 4)

a.       Satan is viewed here showing his destructive motives.

1.       His identification is made easy, for in Vs. 9 the Holy Spirit left no doubt.

2.       It has been suggested the color red refers to his murderous character.

3.       The heads and crowns show position of ruleship as in Dan. 7:8 during the tribulation.

b.       Satan’s desires

1.       The basis of his fall is in Ez. 28:12-14.

a)       One third of angels followed him.

b)       There is one devil, but many demons.

c)       Satan is the God of this world. ( II Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2, Eph 6:12)

2.       Satan is seen as ready to devour the man child brought forth by the woman.

a)       This obviously refers to events that surrounded the birth of Christ.

b)       Harods killing all male babies under 2 years of age

c)       Flight of Mary and Joseph to Egypt

      III.      The male child Christ (Vs 5,6)

a.       The child is brought forth and can easily be seen to be Christ. (Vs 5, Ps 2:7-9 and Rev 19:15)

1.       Christ has yet to rule with a rod of iron.

2.       His rulership and kingship are yet future.

3.       Being caught up to God no doubt refers to His present state of being as our High Priest.

a)       direct reference to His ascension

b)       Luke 24:49-53

b.       The preservation of Israel (Vs 6)

1.       There is a time lapse between verses 5 and 6, but this is nothing new in prophesy.

2.       God is seen in a very special manner preserving His people during the last 3 ½ yrs of great tribulation.

3.       Its very possible that Petra is the place in the wilderness provided for Israel.

    IV.      War in Heaven (Vs 7-1)

a.       Michael against Satan

1.       Knox translates this, “a fierce war broke out.” (This is no small conflict)

2.       In being called the serpent or ancient snake, we are reminded of the Garden of Eden.

3.       The term Devil means defaming or slandering with the meaning of adversary.

4.       Satan is cast out of Heaven onto the earth.

a)       Dan 12:1 and Rev. 12:10

b)       In Job 1:6, the oldest Book of the Bible Satan is seen as accusing God’s children.

c)       Satan said Job only feared God because God was good to Job.

5.       Beginning at this point, Satan no longer has access to Heaven but is confined to earth.

b.       Victory through the blood of the Lamb – Christ (Vs 11)

1.       Satan has always been and always will be overcome by the Blood of Christ.

2.       Passover – Communion

      V.      The fury of Satan (Vs. 13-17)

a.       Satan sets himself against Israel in an attempt for the last time to destroy the woman who gave birth to the man child.

1.       As prophesied in Isaiah 59:19, God will supernaturally reach down to protect His people.

a)       The period mentioned is the time of the Great Tribulation – 3 ½ years

b)       Matt 24:15-22 fits in very well here.

1)       You see the persecution of Israel is a part of the Satanic program to thwart and hinder the work of God.

2)       Israel is hated by Satan because she has been chosen of God and is essential to the overall purpose of God for time and eternity.

2.       How often has Satan tried to destroy?

a)       The Red Sea and children of Israel. (Ex 15:9-12) (The prayer of deliverance)

b)       Also foreshadowed in Herod’s slaughter of the boy babies. (Matt 2:16-18)

3.       May I just share an interesting sidelight, that of the wings of a great eagle

a)       Some have felt this shows America championing the cause of Israel as the American eagle.

b)       God’s deliverance (15-17)

1)       The flood referred to here is probably the total effort to destroy Israel.

2)       The point being made in Verse 16 is the safety that will be provided by God.

3)       Satan’s final effort  (Vs. 17)

4)       So now the way is paved for the unfolding of those events leading to the battle of Armageddon.

Conclusion: We are now ready to look at the two principal people of Rev. 13, the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet.