Scripture:
5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations
6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God
8 but he (the dragon) was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time
Vs 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
Observation:
There is an ultimate ruler of all nations, Jesus Christ.
Satan is defeated in heaven, yet allowed to make war on earth “for a time”.
God, however, prepares a place and makes provision and nourishment for His people during this time.
Application:
Satan wants to make war on those who keep the commands of God and the testimony of Jesus.
Am I shocked at troubles or turmoil and tumult? I shouldn’t be.
There is a whole world and battle that I can’t see, but I can experience the consequences of.
Will I yield to that battle?
What a disaster that would be.
I would be declaring defeat in the middle of a war that has already been won.
In those moments when I feel defeated, I must remember the Satan is ultimately defeated.
Satan “knows his time is short”!
Saran is “furious”!
This alone is enough to provide me hope in my worst moments.
But God is good.
He provides even more than hope in His ultimate victory.
He “provides a place”, and “nourishment”.
So in the midst of all chaos I can confidently love out the commands of God and the testimony of Jesus!
Prayer:
Thank you God for your word
Thank you for the hope of your victory
Help me keep your command
And testify Jesus
Amen