The Bible begins with a wedding, ends with a wedding, and is shot through with pictures of a faithful Bridegroom loving an unfaithful bride. This Bridegroom has the power to transform her through His love, which includes taking her through the wilderness. This Bride has children who are hated by God’s Ancient Foe and, by his children.
Satan is described as a dragon in Revelation 12. He seeks to swallow up the woman’s seed. We can see this through the pages of Scripture and of history. The dragon’s techniques are to lie, kill, and destroy. His purpose is to get God’s Bride to back up from her Bridegroom and to throw away her lifeline. But the book of Revelation lifts the curtain and shows us how deeply we are loved. God is not picking on us, but rather is with us in our cosmic battle against our enemy. The dragon, you may remember, is the counterfeit to the first person of the Trinity — God the Father. Instead of instigating good, the dragon institutes evil.
Revelation 13:1 writes: “And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.” How perfectly this natural rock formation in Australia depicts this!
We must not lose heart in this cosmic battle. Remember the warning of Jesus in Matthew 24:12-13:
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
We do not earn our salvation by standing firm, but we show that, indeed, we belong to Him, love Him truly, and have His power within us.
In Revelation 12, Satan is described as an enormous red dragon “who stood in front of the woman about to give birth.” (Revelation 12:4) Who is this woman? It may seem, at first glance, that she is Mary, for we know how Satan tried to murder the infant Jesus through Herod’s murderous plan of killing all the boy babies in Bethlehem under two. Philip Yancey says this picture is the Christmas card you never see.
This painting by Rubens portrays the dragon’s rage. Behind every evil ruler who has gone after God’s seed is our ancient foe. We saw it in the Pharaoh of Egypt, the Herod of Bethlehem, and I believe as well in the Nero of Rome, the Hitler of Germany, and the Islamic terrorists of today… The Voice of the Martyrs reports more martyrdoms of Christians in the last century than in all the centuries of the past combined, though the news rarely covers them. I believe America and Canada, are in the first stage of persecution. (1: We don’t want your ideas. 2: We don’t want you around here. 3: We don’t want you.) This seems to be happening rapidly – Revelation tells us that as the dragon sees his time getting short, his rage increases. Likewise, Jesus warned that our troubles will increase before He returns, like the birth pangs of a woman in labor. (Matthew 24:8)
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of this dark world. But, as Tim Keller says, “God only gives Satan enough rope to hang himself.” If Satan, indeed, is behind our many troubles, we need to be wise and fit for the battle.
Below is a sermon from Charles Biggs that you can listen to in the next few days and will add great clarity to a challenging but oh so strengthening chapter. I’ll ask you for your comments and notes on Day 4.
Word Document of Homework Questions for Week 2
Day 1. Getting Started
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Read Revelation 12:1-12 as an overview, remembering that Revelation gives us signs and symbols. A picture, it has been said, is worth a thousand words.
A. Identify the three main characters.
B. What stands out to you upon your first reading?
Michael Wilcock explains the three main characters in Rev. 12:1-6:
The child is Christ (Rev. 12:9), the woman is Israel, from whom he is born and who continues as the Christian church after his ascension, and the dragon is Satan who seeks to destroy the child, and when foiled, vents his anger on the church. (John Stott commentaries: The Wisdom of Revelation, 120)
Day 2: Background of the Battle
The battle with the dragon began as early as Genesis 3:15, in what is called the protoevangelium, or the first gospel.
3. Read Genesis 3:14-15
A. To who is God speaking and who is he, really? (v. 14)
B. Between what two parties will there be enmity? (v. 15)
C. What is meant by “her offspring and yours?”
D. Explain how v. 15b was fulfilled at Calvary.
4. Read John 8:39-47
A. Who did the Pharisees claim as their father, according to verse 39?
B. Who does Jesus say their father is and why, according to verses 39-47? Find everything you can.
5. Read John 8:56-59
A. What does Jesus tell the Pharisees in verse 56 and how do they respond?
B. Then what does Jesus tell them?
C. Whenever Jesus says one of the great I AM’s, though you cannot see it in English, the Septuagint shows us it is the same phrase God spoke to Moses when He said “I AM who I AM.” It is a clear declaration of Deity, and another way of expressing that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. How did the Jews respond to this, and why, do you think?
6. Read 1 John 4:4-6
A. What encouragement can you find in verse 4?
B. What telltale sign gives away children of the devil according to verses 5-6?
Day 3: The Woman
She is Israel, she is the Church, and she will be persecuted by the dragon until he is cast down forever and ever. His intent was to destroy Israel, then Christ, and then, His seed. But his doom is sure.
7. Read Revelation 12:1-2. Describe the woman and her clothing. Describe her agony in giving birth.
8. Read Genesis 37:9. How is Joseph’s second dream similar to the woman’s clothing?
D. A. Carson writes: “…the sun, moon, and eleven stars are metaphorical respectively for Jacob, his wife, and the eleven tribes of Israel. All bow down to Joseph, representing the twelfth tribe.” (Commentary on New Testament Use of Old Testament, p. 1122.)
It is often in suffering that we defeat the dragon, as Joseph suffered yet remained steadfast.
9. Read Genesis 50:15-21
A. How did Joseph view the trouble in his life? (v. 20)
B. How could this help you face the dragon’s attacks with endurance?
C. Can you share a way that God used an attack from the enemy for good in your life?
10. (This is an optional question for those who went through the study “Shallows,” or those who are grounded in the Old Testament stories.) Barrenness and infanticide are two ways the dragon tried to stop God’s seed. How do you see this in:
A. Abraham and Sarah?
B. Isaac and Rebekah?
C. Jacob and his wives?
D. Jochebed and Moses?
D. Hannah?
E. Mary, the mother of Jesus?
11. How do you see Satan’s progeny trying to murder Jesus and His progeny? (Find an example in the New Testament.) How did that backfire? (Consider John 11:53 and John 12:10.)
12. How did Satan try to murder the seed of God’s Bride in Exodus 1?
13. Some of the godliest women I know have been prevented from marrying or having biological children — yet how God has blessed them with spiritual children, defeating Satan’s plan. How do you see this in Isaiah 54:1-3? How can we all, childless or not, take this to heart?
Day 4: The Sermon by Charles Biggs
14. Listen to the sermon and share your notes and comments. (See link in opening)
Day 5: Contemplation Questions
15. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-12
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
E. Why are You telling me this today?
F. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
262 comments
Day 4: The Sermon by Charles Biggs
14. Listen to the sermon and share your notes and comments. (See link in the opening)
So much good things to process from Rev Biggs! Just a few that I have gleaned:
1. Revelation is the only book that has a promise of blessing to those who read it.
2. The book has shown us a picture of God at His throne all throughout history.
3. Evil is present in every generation, and people have represented it since sin came into the world-Cain, Esau, Edom, Herod, the Pharisees, etc.
4. The woman is the church, Jesus’ Bride, the child is Jesus and the dragon is the serpent.
5. Though the woman was placed in the wilderness, suffering and in a cosmic battle with the serpent, it is only for a time. V.6
a. A kind of time, a limited time until the return of Christ
b. The woman representing the church, His bride will be under God’s protection
c. We are glorious in Him
d. No crown except for the cross
e. We should pick up our cross and walk in the wilderness with Jesus
6. God’s promises always come to pass-therefore, do not be discouraged. Jesus is King!
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Such good truth Bing, thank you for these insights from the sermon. I’ve listened to part but couldn’t take notes. I love this “God’s promises always come to pass-therefore, do not be discouraged. Jesus is King!”
I love that bit too. It’s just like the list of Biblical characters Dee had us walk through. Each one shouldn’t have been able to give birth to the Promise that would rise up to bless God’s people. I was just listening to this song as I sat with both of your comments, so appropriate:
https://youtu.be/h_ZCLJ-C4S4
Lizzy: that’s why you are so offensive – just as Jesus was to the men of the law – you are loving and rescuing God’s seed of life in those the world has rejected. I thought about that so much as I went through that list of Biblical characters. Just how much Satan has been out to kill in my family line, but how Jesus has preserved His life and even extended it to other family lines.
My grandparents also adopted my Aunties as toddlers from China. One of them was literally found in a dumpster. Despite how hard that was for my Dad and his brothers, who missed out on a lot growing up, as their Mom turned all her attention to loving these girls well and healing their wounds, it was my Dad who initiated the adoption of my little brother from Romania. Sacrificial love begets sacrificial love. You are changing the course of generations, Lizzy. The love of Jesus shines in and through you.
Love your family adoption stories Anna.
Adoption can truly be such a miracle, seeing how God places the solitary in families and unites them.
oh Anna–you got my tears going this morning! Thank you for your encouragement and also sharing your stories–how I truly wish we could be face to face and I could just listen too you…you have been gifted with much wisdom, so thankful He has brought you here to us
Anna, thanks for the song. I love it! My husband-pastor often says something to that effect during funerals/visitations he officiates. Some family members unsure of their deceased loved one/friend would ask if the latter is saved. He would always reply, “God has the final say.” For me, having a prodigal daughter, these words bring comfort. We are not to judge anybody. And that includes people we disagree with nor those who have done unspeakable things. God is the rightful Judge. He has the final say. And I need to remember I have been forgiven much myself. “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:16 Oh, so humbling!
Amen, Bing. Amen! It’s only His righteousness that makes us worthy. And His Ways of saving us or our children are SO not the ways we would choose.
I am reminded over and over that so many of the Biblical heroes were Prodigals. They had to be deeply humbled and completely set apart unto the LORD. It’s the only way they could be used of God in places the Gospel would have never otherwise gone.
When I came home I began to pray: LORD, show me how I became so blind to Your love and mercy to me. His reply to me has been: “Anna, let Me show you how I have never ever left you, how I went before you to pave your way, and how I set you exactly where I wanted you to be, even in your blindness, to mould and shape you for My purposes. Let me show you how I am faithful to complete the work I begin in MY children.” He is taking my eyes off of myself and my failings and setting them on Him and the Cross.
I will be praying for your daughter.
I only made it through about half of the sermon so far. It’s a tough on to follow! Will complete later today.
Biggs – Revelation 12:1-6
The book of Revelation is saturated in symbols from the OT.
This is the heart of the book; the woman and the dragon.
The woman is clothed in glory but is in extreme pain. It’s is important to see her as the church.
Chapters 1-11 go through cycles, ending with the return of Jesus.
Chapters 12-14 is a summary, or a digression going back to retell what was told in 1-11. It focuses on the main characters; the great seed of the woman and the terrible seed of the serpent.
Chapters 15-22 are cycles again, with the ending being the victory of the lamb and the glorious bride of Jesus.
Apocalyptic Literature was written to make the people hopeful. It was the opening up of heaven to show the people what was actually taking place in the cosmos (behind the scenes) while they were on earth; God reigning over history while the people are in the nitty – gritty. It was meant to encourage perseverance. It was written to help us continue to “march on.” To know that the great seed of the serpent has been crushed by Jesus.
In 1 John 5:4-5, everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world (those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God). To help us to know that no life, no death, will separate us from God.
The last thing seen in chapter 11 is the throne of God and then “boom” we see an Image of this great woman, a vision. She is in pain but has glory (sun, moon, stars). This goes back to Genesis 37 where there is a reference to Jacob, his wife, and the eleven sons, with Joseph being the 12th son (through his suffering Israel will be saved) She represents the mother, Israel.
This is so important because the “seed of the woman will crush the serpent”. She also represents Eve and Mary. She represents the church now. She also represents us. We are glorious due to God in Christ making us that way, and in we are in tribulation.
Don’t look for the literal, rather ask yourself where is it found in the OT?
Israel in the OT has birth pains waiting for the Messiah. Several times it is noted a pregnant woman giving birth, in pain. Several times in Isaiah it is written. Isaiah 26, Isaiah 66, Micah 4. Jesus would eventually come and crush the head of the serpent.
Glory through suffering.
Thank you, Anna, for sharing your stories and the wonderful song. You ladies all are so amazing. I love reading all your comments each day.
Hey Dear Patti —
How like you to come on in affirmation. So fun to see your name pop up.
Dee
It is a joy to do your studies, Dee. I do love the wonderful insight from you and all of you dear women. You have all blessed my life. God is so good. Patti
Thank you for your encouragement, Patti. I am being so blessed by these “amazing ladies”.
Day 5: Contemplation Questions
15. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-12
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text? – I can thank Jesus for the ultimate sacrifice, his death on the cross, to save those who believe in him. Even though we aren’t worthy of that sacrifice. He knew from the beginning just what his role was going to be in this and he accepted it because of his love for us. This I can thank him and sing to him my praises. I can live my life pleasing to him so his death wasn’t for nothing.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text? – I can cry out to God and let him know where I fail everyday, how I do try to trust him and have no fear, to remember that he is in control, but I fall short all the time. I can let him know by praying to him how sorry I am that it takes me longer sometimes to get it.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this? – If I don’t watch what I do, what I listen to, who I follow, I will end up as a servent of the serpent. I will think that evil and harm can’t come to me.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for? – I need to be reaching for Him. To grab hold of the outstretched hand that is just waiting for me to grab. I need to learn to listen and watch for the enemies tactics and walk away.
E. Why are You telling me this today? – This is coming at such a great moment. I am having a really bad day today. My attitude is crap, I’m angry and can’t wait for the day to be over, (it is 12:51 central standard time) there is a way to go. So I need to readjust, regroup my mind, my thoughts and focus on him. These verses remind me that I can send the enemy packing from my mind. I am in Christ.
F. What is your take-a-way this week and why? – Oh my so much good stuff. But for me this week, is just how the story is laid out in Revelation. The sermon from Rev Biggs was also good and the line I liked the most was that “miraculous births lead to THE Miraculous Birth. This was a WOW moment for me.
Oh — thanks for reminding me that the miraculous births lead to THE Miraculous Birth!
Day 5: Contemplation Questions
15. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-12
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
Praise You, Jesus, that You have overcome the enemy for us. Thank You that no matter the pain, abuse or terror we walk through, we are safe in You: hidden in Your righteous Son, who clothes us with light, like the sun. Thank You that our wilderness circumstances are proof of Your desire to set us apart, to protect us and to nourish us through our suffering, as we join You in Yours, to reveal Your glory in our weakness.
Thank You that clothed in Your light, we have dominion over the darkness of our own hearts and the darkness of others’ hearts. Thank You that we can persevere in love, faith and hope because of Your life and saving blood at work in us.
Thank You that we are cleansed of all unrighteousness in You. Thank You for how You keep showing that to me, as You lovingly pick me up, wash off the grime of my sin and set me back on the Way You have prepared for me and have walked before me. Thank You for the depths of Your love and mercy for me, for us all.
Thank You for showing me the unity of Your Bride and Church. For filling me with hope. For reminding me to look for that unity in this place and not for proof of Your church rejecting me. Thank You that we are already One in You: through Your mind that dwells within us and is transforming our mind.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Father, forgive me for being so prideful to believe that my weakness and sin could be more powerful than the Cross and your glory covering me. Forgive me for looking for proof of Your Body rejecting me in this place, rather than seeing all the ways You were affirming me, over and over again, through the encouragement spoken, the songs shared and the overlap in our stories that speak of your weaving.
Help me to stand firm in this repentance, LORD. Cleanse me of my defensive reactions. Strip my fear and shame and move me to love Your Body, as You move to love me through them. Amen.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
Wrong behavior: I point the finger at others. I judge others. I fight, freeze or flee. I run away from the uncomfortable that God has sent my way to sanctify me.
Harmful emotions: fear, shame, insecurity.
False attitudes: “Church-going Christians are out to hurt me and reject me.”
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
Looking for and celebrating the presence of Jesus in my midst.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
To show me the beauty of Your hemming in. To encourage me to invite You to show me how You are working in my heart through the other places in my life that I feel hemmed in.
F. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
That my weakness is God’s gift to me and that clothed in Jesus, I have authority over the darkness. As Biggs said, it’s our weakness that disarms the powers of darkness. For, “blessed are those who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 2).
Read take-a-way from Biggs, Anna.
It is a joy to do your studies, Dee. I do love the wonderful insight from you and all of you dear women. You have all blessed my life. God is so good. Patti
Oh Patti — so fun to see you here!
Day 5: Contemplation Questions
15. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-12
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
I praise Him for His sovereignty and immutability. God has not changed one iota and He has been on the throne before the beginning of time and the end of it.
God is taking care of the woman, the Church, Jesus’ Bride, Israel, Israelites (to include all of us, Gentiles who were/are grafted into the family of God). God superintends all of man’s circumstances throughout history.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
By acknowledging that I, at times, waver in my faith when circumstances are hard or when they are beyond my understanding or when evil seems to gain a foothold.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
I get fearful (I remind myself that God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power); doubtful (O ye of little faith!) anger ( The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God); and then I take matters into my own hands. (which often ends up a fail, then I have to repent, ask forgiveness, do restitution, etc…) Thankful God is a forgiving God!
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
To be at peace in every circumstance that God allows in my life and those I love, to trust the firm foundation of truth that God is in control; to always remember the destiny of the woman, the child, and the serpent.
A. Why are You telling me this today?
I have concerns about the future as I look toward my retirement in June-growing older and feeling like I have not done much for the Lord; my daughter’s prodigal condition without a hint of her return; my husband’s health, my family in the Philippines, our nation’s, and the world’s condition. And as I write these, I am seeing my circumstance in light of the truth of God’s Word so I tell myself, “Stand on God’s character and promises, Bing!”
And so just like the Lord also, He brings encouragement to me by the following:
a. One of the songs we will be singing tomorrow at church is the Revelation song. Our pastor has chosen this song in December! So God knew I needed a reminder today.
b. A January Turning point magazine that has come in the mail has this as a short devotional for today with this verse: “But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” Psalm 102: 27
And because God’s years will have no end so neither will those to whom He has given eternal life through Jesus.
Second half of Biggs’ sermon
God showed His miraculous deeds through women who were initially barren. 13.5 minutes
This was to make sure everyone knew it was God, not man, that brought the Messiah.
The serpent is mentioned in the story of Pharaoh and the Egyptians in Exodus (OT); they were compared to the serpent. Also in Ezekiel and Psalms. They were saying these were the enemies of God. All who opposed God in the OT were patrons of the evil one. It’s always been this way in history. There have always been a satanic opposition to God’s people in case He would be overthrown. This dragon serpent is the evil force who claims sovereignty because he tries to be the counterfeit king of king and lord of lords.
His goal is to devour the seed of the woman.
It happens throughout the OT, Cain and Able, Jacob and Esau, Herod in Jesus’ time. He is a mighty force. We could not stand against him if not for God.
The saga is in these passages; the whole Bible.
Jesus was born, protected, tempted, constantly bombarded with satanic opposition. He call the Pharisees born from the devil. They weren’t on His side.
Verse 5 is the entire life and death of Jesus.
When you are with people who you try to get to understand who Jesus is, and you find opposition from them you are in good company. This was Jesus. God’s promises come to pass no matter what. Jesus will rule over all nations. Psalm 2 He was born to save His people and destroy the devil.
Verse 6 – we are the glorious bride undergoing great suffering and have a cosmic enemy. You are comforted in verse 6. She fled and has a place in the wilderness where she is protected by God. She is nourished by God. It was for just a short time (1260 days); a kind of time, not a length of time.
All of this was written for our knowledge so we can feel comforted. We are in the wilderness, we are being protected, and He will come for us. This is our hope.
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Romans 16:20 NLT
15. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-12
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text?
I can thank God that He comes to save me.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text?
Lord, please don’t let me love my life so much that I don’t want Him to come for me.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this?
I live in the world instead of, of the world. I need to remember the end goal; eternity.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for?
I have been immersing myself in Jesus. I have a couple of Bible studies I am attending as well as dancing with girls from church, and have been doing the Daniel fast for 2 weeks and waiting for God to speak. I feel GREAT. This is what I need to aspire to every day of my life
E. Why are You telling me this today?
You are telling me this to get me to see that I have been living my life all wrong with respect to my focus. YOU are my focus, day in and day out. I need to remember that. This world will not last forever. I need to set my eyes on eternity. Thank you for this reminder in Your Word Lord Jesus!
15. Contemplation questions on Revelation 12:1-12
A. How can I praise Him on the basis of this text? Praise Him that He has revealed the end to us and we know that the devil is defeated and we will be conquerors.
B. How can I confess my sins on the basis of this text? I am guilty of not trusting you enough to look to you alone and not the circumstances around me.
C. If this is really true, what wrong behavior, what harmful emotions & what false attitudes happen when I forget this? I start thinking that some things are a personal attack against me and not part of the bigger picture.
D. What should I be aspiring to — reaching for? Responding in a way that shows that I truly have my eyes on Him and that no matter what is happening around me, He is in control and knows the beginning from the end. Nothing is outside of his divine plan.
E. Why are You telling me this today?
F. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
Happy Birthday Dear Dawn!
Happy birthday Dawn!!
Happy birthday, Dawn!
7. Read Revelation 12:1-2. Describe the woman and her clothing. Describe her agony in giving birth.
She is a woman clothed with the sun (a bright, blinding appearance?), with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of 12 stars on her head. She is crying out loudly from her labor pains.
8. Read Genesis 37:9. How is Joseph’s second dream similar to the woman’s clothing?
Joseph’s dream included seeing the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing before him.
9. Read Genesis 50:15-21
A. How did Joseph view the trouble in his life?
Joseph believed that what his brothers meant for evil, God turned into something good, bringing Joseph to the high position he held in Egypt so that he could save the lives of his family and others.
B. How could this help you face the dragon’s attacks with endurance?
Believing that God will bring a good purpose to everything that happens to me, even though I may not live to see it fulfilled during my lifetime, can help me endure and persevere through my trials.
C. Can you share a way that God used an attack from the enemy for good in your life?
I guess maybe being verbally attacked, and pressured to conform, has helped me to really stop and think about what it is that I believe, instead of just going off of, or along with, what others feel or believe. It’s helped me to find my own voice, to be more secure and less dependent upon the approval of others.
10. Barrenness and infanticide are two ways the dragon tried to stop God’s seed. How do you see this in:
A. Abraham and Sarah?
Both were old and way past childbearing years, but it caused them to believe and trust God for the impossible. Of course, there was trouble along the way, as they tried to come up with their own solution to the problem of not having an heir, but even through that, God still provided the appointed child: Isaac.
B. Isaac and Rebekah?
Isaac prayed for Rebekah because she was childless, and she gave birth to Jacob and Esau. Though Esau was the eldest, Jacob was God’s appointed one to carry on the blessing He promised to Abraham.
C. Jacob and his wives?
Much heartache, competition, and jealousy between Rachel and Leah, but between them, they built the twelve tribes of Israel, and the lineage of the Messiah.
D. Hannah?
Hannah was also childless, shamed and ridiculed by her husband’s other wife. Yet God answered her prayer, and gave her Samuel, who rose up to be a mighty prophet in Israel.
E. Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Mary and Joseph had to flee when it became known that Herod was searching for them and their son, in order to kill him. Satan, through Herod, was trying to destroy Jesus.
11. How do you see Satan’s progeny trying to murder Jesus and His progeny? (Find an example in the New Testament) How did that backfire? (Consider John 11:53 and John 12:10)
In addition to Herod trying to find and kill baby Jesus, once the Pharisees became so enraged at Him that they wanted to throw Him off of a cliff. John 11:53 is about after Jesus raised Lazarus, the Jewish leaders began to plot to kill Him. Caiaphas even said, prophetically, “Let this one man die for the people.” He really didn’t get was he was saying, but that’s exactly why Jesus came.
12. How did Satan try to murder the seed of God’s bride in Exodus 1?
The pharaoh of Egypt gave an order to kill all the newborn boys of the Israelites.
13. Some of the godliest women I know have been prevented from marrying or having biological children – yet how God has blessed them with spiritual children, defeating Satan’s plan. How do you see this in Isaiah 54:1-3? How can we all, childless or not, take this to heart?
This passage talks about Jesus, metaphorically comparing him to a tender green shoot sprouting up in a very hostile environment, one that is dry and sterile. I take this to mean that you don’t have to be married or have children in order to be nurturing, to help another grow by providing a caring, supportive environment for another person to thrive.
14, Listen to the sermon and share your notes and comments.
The first six verses of Revelation 12 describe the entire saga of the Bible. While chapters 1-11 are about Jesus and his victory, chapters 12-14 are a digression, focusing on the “main characters”.
The glorious woman represents Eve, Israel, Mary, and the Church. She possesses glory now, yet is also in a struggle, in pain. Many images in the OT support this, like in Isaiah and Micah which talk about “Zion giving birth”. The emphasis is the struggle to give birth to the Messiah, and things like barrenness show that it was accomplished not by man, but by God’s grace and power.
The dragon, in the OT, was represented also by Pharaoh and Egypt, who were the enemies of God and his people. The dragon can also be a false god, the anti-god, the false trinity.
In every age, there is satanic opposition to God’s people.
The woman flees into the wilderness. It is not the promised land. Today, we as the church are on a pilgrimage, and we are in the wilderness, but God will provide for us. The 1260 days mean that our time in the wilderness is a limited time set by God. It is the time between the first and second coming of Christ.
The overall message of Revelation is to help us with endurance and to overcome. In this world, we can be joyful. We know that we will have opposition. In the wilderness, He is making us glorious through suffering.
He is making us glorious through suffering!