Unrelenting opposition of dragon
Key Verses: 5, 8, 10,
11, 17
I have to admit that as I read this
chapter, much of what is written I don't understand. I don't understand this
picture of the woman about to give birth and the dragon who wants the baby's
destruction. There are many understandings of this passage, but I can't fully
accept any of them. That does not mean they are wrong and I am right, but that
my mind has a hard time grasping what this means to me in my life today. How do
I apply this to my understanding of God and of man's relationship with others
and with God?
The baby seems to be Jesus, for He
rules the nations, and goes to heaven. The woman might be a picture of
believers, the remnant, who go into exile. They are in exile for three and a
half years. We see a few believers in the Gospel narratives of Jesus' birth,
waiting patiently for God's salvation. Satan tried his best to defeat both
Jesus and the believing remnant, but he was unsuccessful. I have no idea what
the seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns are. Some have seen a connection
to earthly rulers and kingdoms. It could be.
We know that Satan and his rebellious
cohort are defeated! They are thrown out of God's presence forever. And heaven
rejoices in their exit. They see the coming restoration and rejoice. No more
accusations against God's people.
Notice that they overcome Satan
through Jesus' life given for them, and through their life's testimony. These
were not afraid of death. When persecution came, they did not abandon their
faith. I feel sad for the pastors who threw their stand for life away and voted
in support of the death. Every choice we make moves us closer or further away
from the Lord. Our time here on earth is short. And there is coming a time when
Satan's time on earth will be short as well.
In this present time we don't see
Satan fully released to do his dirty work. He is restrained in what he does.
But the time is coming when his pursuit of the believers will be no holes
barred. They will escape for three and a half years, but only barely. I must
admit I don't know the difference between those who go into exile and those who
are called “the rest of her offspring.” Some have said the woman is believing
Israel and the offspring are believing non-Jews or the Church. These would fit
with this picture portrayed by John, but is this what John saw and meant when
he wrote it, I don't know.
What I do know is that a time of
great difficulty is coming in the future. If you are a Believer, whether Jew or
non-Jew, it will be a time of terrible suffering. God provides a level of
protection for His children, but that does not mean we escape all suffering.
But all earthly suffering is short-lived. The longest suffering here is just
the blink of an eye in eternity. Even the earth is summoned to help us out when
God calls. Take heart. God promises to be with us, even in the greatest trials.
And perhaps in the greatest trials is when we will experience the greatest
intimacy with God.