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Bible Pathways - December 27, 2005


December 27, 2005

Read Revelation 12

In Today's Reading:

The sun-clad woman; the dragon; a baby boy; the blood of the Lamb; the beasts

There appeared a great wonder (sign) 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 with a rod of iron: and her Child was caught up unto God, and to His throne (Revelation 12:1-5). This is a reference to the birth and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The trial of the remnant of God will occur in a wilderness (12:6). This describes spiritually the desert-like moral condition of the world ruled by the great red dragon (Satan) (12:3). Without a doubt, the world will experience panic. But, there is a precious peace in that desert for every Christian — knowing that the results are 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 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 his deception as 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). He will continue to deceive the nations until he is finally defeated (Revelation 20:8). But neither God nor His servants will ever be defeated or delayed one minute after the perfect will of God has been completed.

They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (witness); 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 International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs Mable L Fillmore and Mrs Virginia Rose · Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Government Official: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) · Country: Canada (31 million) in North America · Major languages: English and French · Religious freedom · 47% Roman Catholic; 37% Protestant; 3% Eastern Orthodox; 2% cults; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Rely upon the Lord at all times; He is your refuge (Psalm 62:8).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 John 3:3



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