Day 234

I have to admit that as I read this chapter, much of what is written I don’t understand. I don’t understand this picture of the woman about to give birth and the dragon who wants the baby’s destruction. There are many understandings of this passage, but I can’t fully accept any of them. That does not mean they are wrong and I am right, but that my mind has a hard time grasping what this means to me in my life today. How do I apply this to my understanding of God and of man’s relationship with others and with God?

The baby seems to be Jesus, for He rules the nations, and goes to heaven. The woman might be a picture of believers, the remnant, who go into exile. They are in exile for three and a half years. We see a few believers in the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ birth, waiting patiently for God’s salvation. Satan tried his best to defeat both Jesus and the believing remnant, but he was unsuccessful. I have no idea what the seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns are. Some have seen a connection to earthly rulers and kingdoms. It could be.

We know that Satan and his rebellious cohort are defeated! They are thrown out of God’s presence forever. And heaven rejoices in their exit. They see the coming restoration and rejoice. No more accusations against God’s people.

Notice that they overcome Satan through Jesus’ life given for them, and through their life’s testimony. These were not afraid of death. When persecution came, they did not abandon their faith. I feel sad for the pastors who threw their stand for life away and voted in support of the death. Every choice we make moves us closer or further away from the Lord. Our time here on earth is short. And there is coming a time when Satan’s time on earth will be short as well.

In this present time we don’t see Satan fully released to do his dirty work. He is restrained in what he does. But the time is coming when his pursuit of the believers will be no holes barred. They will escape for three and a half years, but only barely. I must admit I don’t know the difference between those who go into exile and those who are called “the rest of her offspring.” Some have said the woman is believing Israel and the offspring are believing non-Jews or the Church. These would fit with this picture portrayed by John, but is this what John saw and meant when he wrote it, I don’t know.

What I do know is that a time of great difficulty is coming in the future. If you are a Believer, whether Jew or non-Jew, it will be a time of terrible suffering. God provides a level of protection for His children, but that does not mean we escape all suffering. But all earthly suffering is short-lived. The longest suffering here is just the blink of an eye in eternity. Even the earth is summoned to help us out when God calls. Take heart. God promises to be with us, even in the greatest trials. And perhaps in the greatest trials is when we will experience the greatest intimacy with God.