Revelation Part 21
Revelation 12:10-17
Introduction
Last week we talked about laboring for the Lord, and tomorrow being Labor Day I want you to think about your labors for the Lord this morning. Ask yourself what have you done over the past year to labor for God, and where could you do more?
This week, we continue in Revelation and finish up Chapter 12. If you have your bibles, go with me to Chapter 12 and let’s read starting in verse 10 through 17.
Read Revelation 12:10-17
Pray
Point 1 - Rejoice! (v10-12)
The accuser of the brethren is Satan himself! Today, Satan spends his time pleading to God about how we have sinned and deserve death. This accuser of the brethren could only accuse us of wrong-doing if he had access to the throne! Otherwise, his insults and his comments would go unheard!
This verse shows that there is more to God and Satan’s relationship than someone who merely does evil - but he is the one who constantly seeks to remind God of our sins and of the things we have done wrong in life. Thankfully, we have assurance in Psalm 103:12 which says, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Good news - whatever the accuser says, means nothing if God has actually forgiven our sins! This is the cause for rejoice in heaven! Not only that Satan has been thrown out (finally), but that no matter what he says means nothing to God!
1 John 2:1 finalizes the deal that in Jesus Christ, we have protection before the father, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Because Satan has been cast to the Earth, he is on a rampage - his focus is on destroying whomever claims to love Jesus, and he will stop at nothing to take out his revenge. Verse 12b says “fury” - which is enhanced rage -- more than mad, but out of control with anger.
We have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and the grave through Jesus Christ! This voice that John hears offers us a glimpse of the key to eternal life, and this is what we need more of!
1. The Blood of the Lamb, the first key is understanding our position in Heaven. Satan power is removed because of the blood of Christ - this is our license to succeed!
2. Word of their testimony, to live the life an overcomer, means to operate in God’s power. The saints who are victorious in the tribulation, will proclaim the Gospel to Satanic world. (2 Tim. 1:7-8) In order to claim this, you have to tell your testimony!
You should be able to give your testimony in 30 seconds by answering these few questions: What, When, How, Where, and Why? It does not have to be elaborate, but straight to the point and give the Gospel to others.
3. Not Love their lives, The third secret we learn for victorious Christian living, is to not fall in love with what this world offers. Those who claim victory are those who chose Jesus Christ over the things of this world!
This is the HARD part! Giving your life to Jesus, and not living for yourself!! John 3:30 becomes an honest reality!
If you want victory in your life -- these principles must be followed! No victory today? How are you living? Do you live for God or for yourself?
Point 2 - The Persecution (v13-16)
This is a very important point in understanding why Satan targets Israel so intently. Because Satan understands God’s word (he knows what the Bible says), he understands if there is no Israel (God’s chosen people), they cannot as a nation turn and accept Jesus Christ as Messiah (which is the completion of the promise).
Satan attempts to exterminate the Jewish race, and thereby prevent them from accepting Jesus Christ as Messiah. This annihilation begins in Israel, and Satan is convinced that by destroying Israel, he can take over the world.
Jesus made the promise that he would not return before Israel acknowledged Him as the Messiah. In order for this to happen, the events of Revelation must unfold to a point that Israel’s eyes can be opened, and the Gentiles have been saved and removed from the world -- those that would accept Jesus.
Matthew 23:37-39 confirms this promise that Jesus made, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again UNTIL you say, ’Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
This is the Revelation! Until Israel admits that Jesus is the Messiah, He will not return - and it is Satan’s desire to keep this from happening!
The woman, who is Israel, is supernaturally protected from the reign of Satan, and they have followed Jesus’ prophecy to flee into the wilderness when they see the “Abomination of Desolation” return. (Matthew 24:15).
Something important to note -- is that God protected Israel once before. Go with me to Exodus 19:4-6.
This promise is given after they have escaped from Egypt … God will always protect Israel! Today, it is the responsibility of Bethlehem Baptist Church to not only preach Jesus, but to glorify Israel!
Through this escape into the wilderness God promises to provide Israel nourishment. As Israel continues to flourish in the wilderness, he will slowly reveal to them who Jesus Christ is and this will begin the opening of their eyes. Today, are your eyes opened?
Israel will spend 1,260 days in the wilderness, which is the exact amount of time of the second half of the Tribulation. At the end of the Tribulation, Israel will acknowledge who Jesus Christ is, and this will bring back his eventual return to the Earth. This time though, he comes not as a lamb - but as the mighty lion of the Tribe of Judah - and we WANT to be on His side!
During the exile of Israel, they will realize through the revelation of God that the Messiah needed to die first in order to complete Isaiah 53 - and through that death we ALL have redemption in Jesus Christ!
Zechariah 14:1-2 we read about the armies of the Antichrist as they pillage homes and rape the women of Jerusalem. A remnant however is spared, and not cutoff from the city. The Mount of Olives by splitting wide open and preparing a route of escape prevents Satan’s attack from being successful and Israel destruction is PREVENTED.
Point 3 - Persecution of the Remnant (v17)
At this time in history, the remnant is those who are left on the Earth. Before this time WE are the remnant as we serve the true and living God. When Israel (the woman) escapes Satan’s grasp, he goes out to make war with ANYONE else who says they believe in Jesus Christ.
In Revelation chapter 13, Satan puts together a plan to separate any who might have an allegiance to any but him. He makes war with the rest of the women’s off-spring; those who claim to know and serve Christ are to be hunted down. All who refuse to acknowledge the Beast, Satan incarnate, will be killed -- this is the cause and effect of Revelation 6:9-11.
Conclusion
Invite Singers
What will your testimony be? Will you share it now or later?
When did you last give thanks for even having a testimony?
God is listening, will you respond to His calling?
* Research from TruthNet.org
