Daily Thought

Chapters 12 to 14 form a third parenthesis describing people who will be prominent during the tribulation. Chapter 12 introduces us to two great wonders, or significant people, and to Christ as the Man-child destined to rule the world. The first sign, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars, clearly portrays God’s people, Israel. She is in labour, about to be delivered of Christ, her Man-child. The second sign, the great red dragon, who tries to destroy the Man-child at birth, represents Satan, who used Herod to try to kill Christ, Matt. 2. 16. But Christ was caught up to God’s throne, thus escaping Satan’s clutches. The vision omits reference to the cross, resurrection, and the entire church age, and concentrates our attention on Israel during the second half of the tribulation. Having failed to destroy Christ Himself, Satan will persecute the faithful Jewish remnant, but God will supernaturally protect them in the wilderness, cp. Isa. 26. 20.

Verses 7-12 explain why conditions on earth will become even worse at the mid-point of the tribulation. God’s angels under Michael will decisively drive out Satan and his hosts from heaven onto the earth. No longer will Satan be able to accuse believers there. They will overcome him by trusting in Christ the Lamb’s shed blood and their bold testimony in the face of martyrdom, which is the secret of victory in every age. Frustrated again, and knowing that his end is near, the devil will vent his wrath on all earth’s inhabitants, saved and unsaved alike. He loves no one. All in heaven, however, will rejoice.

Satan will especially target the faithful remnant of Israel. But they will be divinely enabled to find a safe refuge in the wilderness, possibly in the region of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, Isa. 16. 3, 4; Dan. 11. 41. God will protect them there from all Satan’s malicious attacks, until Christ delivers them at His second coming. So Satan will again be frustrated in his evil designs. This chapter tells us that he is a defeated foe, although still very powerful and fearsome to us as believers. But what assurance and courage this vision of John’s should give us in our own testimony to Christ today also!