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. And he stood on the sand of the sea.
Revelation 12:17
Three quick observations from Revelation 12:17:
1. Christians should expect spiritual opposition. We are at war with the dragon (Satan) himself. That is why even today Christians know suffering, persecution, temptation, deception, and opposition. These are not random actions. We have an active enemy. The devil’s domain (the world) hates us because it hated Jesus first (John 15:18-20). We live in the midst of a burning war zone.
2. The dragon rages because he has already lost. This may be our greatest encouragement as the fight goes on. Christ has already been caught up to God’s throne (Revelation 12:5). Satan has already been cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). Heaven has already announced victory (Revelation 12:10). Believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). The dragon is enraged because he cannot win (Revelation 12:17). This war is a temper tantrum as the final minutes of the game tick down. The devil does not have a victory strategy at this point.
3. Christians are known for perseverance and faith in Christ. Faithful Christians throughout Revelation are those who continue trusting Christ despite pressure. Obedience flows from allegiance and faith. Jesus is clearly the Savior with the power. Our security rests in Christ’s victory because it is by the blood of the Lamb that we overcome!
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