9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
One of the features of the literary style of apocalyptic literature that can confuse readers is the use of imagery. In previous chapters a dragon was pictured. This dragon was bent on evil and evil was his nature. Well, this dragon is finally identified. He is called the devil, or Satan. These are the names used in the rest of Scripture for the singular head of an evil force of beings bent on humankind’s destruction. We learn several important aspects of Satan’s being in this passage. First of all we learn that he exists as some kind of being that is limited in space and time. When judgment starts he loses his place in heaven. His role in the universe is coming to an end. Second we learn that an angel is able to throw him out of his place. That means his power is limited. He is not God’s rival, and certainly not able to defeat God or God’s forces. He is only a created being with a beginning. God is the only eternal being, no beginning and no end. Third we learn that there are angels that have chosen to follow Satan. They too are cast down, out of their former positions. They will get judged for their participation in Satan’s plans. Their choices have consequences. These angels have moral responsibility just like we have moral responsibility. This can bring great encouragement to us who live in this present age. Satan’s role is a very limited one. He is under the authority of God Himself. He cannot do whatever he wants to do. He is just a tool in the hands of a loving God. Nothing comes into our lives that God has not permitted. God will use everything that happens, even those things that are the result of sin, to conform us to His image, an image characterized by righteousness. God is triumphant! This battle is won! That means we have won, if we are in Christ. As an outgrowth of our relationship with Jesus, we are on the winning team. Now live like it!
The Arnold Journey 