Wait. Series

Revelation 12

v. 13 and I saw the dragon which had been thrown to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male

v. 14 and the woman was given two wings of a great eagle in order that she might fly into the desert, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

v. 15 and the serpent flung water like a river out of his mouth at the woman, in order to carry her away in the flood.

v. 16 and the earth helped the woman and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon had flung from its mouth.

v. 17 and the dragon was angry at the woman and went up to make war with the rest of her children, those who keep the commandments of God, and holding the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.

v 13 The word persecuted is pursued (Ex 1:22; Num 16:31-33).

v 14 they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength and mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40).

vv 15-16 The flood in the Scriptures often speaks of multitudes marching in war against God’s people (Num 22:22 Ps 18:4; Is 43:2).

v 17 To understand the rest of the seed, examine carefully Rom 11:25-26.

Wait.

We are at a time of year many set aside to evaluate the past year, establish dreams and goals for the year to come, and, for many of us, to simply be quiet and wait for the LORD to speak. The Lady of Revelation 12 is saved by God-and I think this is related to the promise given by God through the prophet Isaiah

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

The river comes out of the dragon’s mouth to drown the Lady. Do you ever feel harried and harassed, pursued by the devil? Ever feel like you’re drowning in whatever is coming out of someone’s mouth? This is such a contrast to the ways of our LORD. His words, what comes out of His mouth, may correct and cut like a sword, yet they also nourish. The Psalmist meditated on His character and wrote

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5

The flood is sent to destroy us, whether a flood of hurtful words or events that overwhelm us. But God will rescue those who wait on Him.

Prayer for Today

Father,

I wait on You. Speak Your words to me. Give me ears to hear.

Pour out the living water of Your Spirit through me. Give me words to speak so I can be an encouragement to others.

Show Your will to me. Give me a heart that pursues Your will with courage and strength.

When the enemy of our souls sends a storm to drown me

Be, my Lord, the wind beneath my wings, lifting me up above the storm.

In the name of Jesus our LORD

Amen.