SCRIPTURE: Revelation 12:1-9

OBSERVATION:
The women represents Israel, producing the Messiah. The dragon represents Satan, rebelling in the beginning and taking a third of the angels with him (now demons). This scene represents the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. The Messiah is snatched up to His throne, and God’s people (OT Israel becomes NT church) are taken to the desert for a period of time. The war in heaven follows the ascension, in this vision. It may refer to the enthronement of Jesus, receiving the gift of the Spirit which He sends to earth, His final victory over Satan. Whatever the details represent, the basic message of this vision is: Jesus has come, Satan tried to stop Him, Jesus has won, Satan has been defeated, and we are in a desert time-period for the time being.

APPLICATION:
These are unseen realities. Do I believe them? I can relate to being in the desert. I can relate to the presence of the devil among us, leading the whole world astray. Am I as confident in Jesus victory? I wonder if I live as if I were on my own, facing battles and challenges without Jesus’ help, without the assurance that I have overcome. This vision is intended to shift our focus away from what we can see, to what is hidden, unseen, yet still true.

PRAYER:
Lord, I admit that its hard to focus on You and Your victory when the stuff of life overwhelms me. I need to keep myself focused on You, not on the devil. Open my eyes to see You better. Amen.