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Bible Pathways - Dec. 27, 2006


 

12272006

Revelation 12

In Today's Reading:

The sun-clad woman; the dragon; a Man-Child; the blood of the Lamb; the beasts

There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. . . . and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her Child as soon as It (He) was born. And she brought forth a Man Child, who was to rule all nations . . . and her Child was caught up unto God (Revelation 12:1-5). This is reference to the birth and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The trial of the remnant of God occurs in the wilderness (12:6) to illustrate the desert-like moral condition of this world ruled by the great red dragon (Satan) (12:3). But, there is a precious peace in this desert that comes by leaving the results in the hands of our Creator.

The great dragon . . . that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world (12:9) is always in opposition to the faithful people of God. Satan is given four designations here: dragon portrays his monstrous character as the enemy of God and His servants; serpent points out the deceptive character he demonstrated in the Garden of Eden; Devil reminds us that he is a slanderer and a liar; and Satan means adversary. Your adversary the Devil . . . walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). But praise God we are more than conquerors through Him that (who) loved us (Romans 8:37). A Christian is able to have peace even in difficult situations because peace comes from within (John 14:27). It is not that danger is welcomed, but if I am where I know I should be, I can truthfully say: "I feel blessed and privileged to be here." The time and the pathway may be tragic in every sense of the word and yet the reality of blessedness still holds true.

It can be said that Christians in every generation overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (His Word that has become a way of life); and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11).

Cross References:

For Revelation 12:5: See Isaiah 66:7. Revelation 12:14: See Exodus 19:4. Revelation 13:1: See Daniel 7:8,24. Revelation 13:5: See Daniel 7:8.

Word Studies:

12:6 threescore = 60; 12:17 wroth = furious.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Doris Roisland · The Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Henriette Labarrere · Staff: Dan Murton Government Official: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) Country: Armenia (3 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia Major languages: Armenian and Russian Religious freedom 79% Armenian/Russian Orthodox; 3% Muslim Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness (Psalm 86:15).

Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:34



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