Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 40

February 9;      Revelation 12:13;       250/260(III);        ‘The Woman & The Dragon’

Revelation 12:13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child

This chapter gives us great insight from the rebellion of satan to the end of the tribulation.  It is an overview.  Remember, in eternity past, Lucifer, a magnificent angel actually organized a rebellion of one third of the angels and himself against God the Father.  His attempt to seize control of heaven was crushed and Lucifer, now called satan was banished to the earth, along with the angels who conspired with satan.  The devil’s hatred for the Lord knows no bounds.  Since satan is no match for God and knowing how precious humanity is to the Lord, the devil purposed to get back at God by hurting and deceiving people any way that he can.  This chapter teaches that there is a ongoing battle between the Church and the devil.  Because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, provision, protection and the ability to successfully stand against the devil is ours.  Several times in this chapter the dragon tries to harm the woman, who represents the church.  Each time the Lord intervenes and protects the her.  Even during the tribulation verse 6 indicates that there will be protection in the wilderness, a place prepared by the Lord for those who accept Jesus during the tribulation.  Satan, has some idea of the his running out of time and as the tribulation nears an end, the antichrist’s fury is unleashed more and more.  Thank the Lord for protection in that very fierce period of time.  Even martyrdom defeats satan. The best is to be saved long before this.