THE WOMAN, THE DRAGON, AND THE MALE CHILD
Today’s Reading: Revelation 12
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Pictured is the exit of the Grotto at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The “male Child” of today’s reading was born here in the cave just beyond the open door.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ Day Unto Day devotional series)…
In this chapter, we read of a “war in heaven” (verse 7) precipitated by an attempt by Satan to destroy the pre-existent Messiah – the “male Child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter” (verse 5). One of the unusual aspects of this account is the use of the past tense. John writes of something that has already happened both in the heavenly and earthly realms.
In reading about Satan’s downfall (verses 8-9) one thinks of Jesus’ words in Luke 10:18, when He says to disciples He had sent out two by two, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” This may help us to understand why Satan now operates in the space/time realm of the created universe. It may also help us understand why this world and this age are so utterly evil. But it should also encourage us to know that Satan’s rule will not last forever…“his time is short” (verse 12c).
We need to remember that Satan is not God, nor is he a dark equivalent. He does not possess godlike attributes. He is not all-present. He is not all-knowing. He is not all-powerful. He is an enemy, but a defeated one. And in the interim, between his present “warrings” and his future destruction, we can resist him “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of [our] testimony.”
Satan is powerless in the presence of the “Lamb.” All those who by faith have placed themselves beneath the atoning blood of Christ are absolutely beyond the limited reach of this “accuser of the brethren.” As the old hymn says, we are “safe in the arms of Jesus.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for 24/7 faith to resist Satan through “The blood of the Lamb and by the word of their [my] testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Grant me grace, O Lord, as You did those early church believers who “did not love their lives to the death.” I ask these requests in the Name of the One who lived as an Overcomer 100% of the time, Jesus Christ (Messiah). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
John sees into eternity past. He can only describe Satan as a fearsome creature who reminds him of a dragon. The woman, Mary, represented the Jewish people through whom Messiah was born. They, the Jewish nation, will be supernaturally protected from the hatred and destruction of the dragon’s puppet, the Antichrist, for 3 1/2 years, the latter half of the great tribulation (12:6). These prophetic pictures seem to move back and forth, from the past to the future. Let us remember that at all times the male Child, Jesus Christ, continues to rule and overrule with the “rod of iron” (complete authority in the lives of all who have given Him their lives, and who continue by a daily act of their free will to yield to Him as their King).
Jesus spoke in John’s hearing decades earlier in similar Words (for a Gospel reading check out Luke 9:51 to 10:1-20). The sin of Satan in Heaven was pride. Jesus used the example of Satan’s fall to warn the disciples against the spiritual pride expressed in their report of successful ministry. Jesus does not say, “Good job, boys!” He immediately references Satan’s fall. John was allowed to see what Jesus had described years before. With God, time is not a limiting factor. He is outside of time! (quantum physics) He sees our first parents cast out of the Garden and the defeat of the serpent/dragon at the same instant.
Yours for the total overcoming power of Jesus who dwells in every believer,
David
This is the inside entrance to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This building is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land.
Originally built by Constantine’s mother in the fourth century, Emperor Justinian rebuilt the current structure in the 530s. The Church of the Nativity was apparently spared destruction from the Persians in 614 A.D. because the invaders saw the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Local Muslim-Christian friendship is believed to be why the church was not destroyed during al-Hakim’s rule in 1009. The trapdoors in the floor reveal 4th-century floor mosaics from the Constantinian church.
Thank you Pastor David once again for getting up so early each morning to feed us from The Word of God. The message is very clear today, we are overcomers by the blood of the Lamb.
Dear Heavenly Farher I praise your wonderful, almighty, powerful name. A name that is above all names. I love you with all of my heart, and I am praying for my loved ones and the unsaved family members of my blogger friends, to have the same joy that I have in knowing and serving you. I pray for complete healing of Beverlee”s toe and for others who are not well.
Dear Lord please send lots of rain to quench the fires in Ft. McMurray. Comfort those who have lost everything and give them hope. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I pray this in the wonderful Name of Jesus. Eleanor M.
Amen and Amen.
Yes, Amen and Amen Eleanor!!
Yes Amen!!
For Your power and glory, save our family members who are walking in sin. Bring them close to know and love and claim You, Lord, as their personal Saviour. Quench the fires in Alberta, Heavenly Father. Pour down your RAIN and bring an end to the destruction. Bring healing upon the land, dear God. We are nothing without You and Your Power that reigns on earth as it is in heaven. Amen, amen, and amen!! Bless you, Eleanor!!
Thanks Beverlee.
Yes, for the total overcoming power of Jesus Christ who dwells in every believer, we give all the praise and glory, amen! The photos and history around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem are remarkable. God’s continued blessings, fellow saints, in the Lord!
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV
Grace So Glorious, Elevation Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IxhoUzsasI&list=RD5IxhoUzsasI
Amen, Pastor David, Eleanor and Beverlee. Am enlightened today by your blogs.
“……The sin of Satan in Heaven was pride. Jesus used the example of Satan’s fall to warn the disciples against the spiritual pride expressed in their report of successful ministry. Jesus does not say, “Good job, boys!” He immediately references Satan’s fall. John was allowed to see what Jesus had described years before. With God, time is not a limiting factor. He is outside of time! (quantum physics) He sees our first parents cast out of the Garden and the defeat of the serpent/dragon at the same instant.” (Pst.David Mainse)
This poem describes the same concept:
Time
Time is a dream where everyone partakes,
Like a bubble on the circle of eternity,
Where God can reach out as He makes
Each one of us ready to find infinity.
Time is artificial,providing a start and finish,
Where eternity had never known such,
So that He could measure without anguish
Every deed we do and each heart we touch.
Time is the first miracle that hides our lives
In the darkness of a future yet unknown,
For this darkness has treasure that gives
Light unto those who’s truth he’s shown.
Time is a gift where we can show The Master,
That we freely choose to love fellow man,
Or the greed of selfishness’ finite disaster,
Where some may reject His holy plan.
Time will end at Heaven’s gates where His love
Will welcome His holy Lamb and His sheep,
Beginning new work in His Kingdom above
And finding the reward that each shall reap.
G W (Bill) Marshall / 06 July, 2013
Thank you, Bill, and all of you, God’s precious children. May God keep you all in his care and purposes today. I thank You most of all, Lord God, that Your plans for us are good, and yes and amen in Jesus! I agree in prayer with all the prayers offered above. Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Greetings all bloggers. May you have a blessed day, rejoicing in God’ love. Thankful for forcast of rain for Alberta, we desperately need it.
How Marvelous, How Wonderful is My Saviours Love for me!! “Faithful One, so unchanging, Precious Lord, take my hand lead on…” I depend on YOU, YOU are the ROCK OF my Salvation.
Thank You Lord that you hear us when we cry unto You, even before we cry unto You, You answer our cry!! Yes, How Marvelous, How Wonderful is My Saviour’s love for us! Thank you for the rain to fall on Ft. McMurray, to quench the fires, thank you for protecting and healing your people, emotionally and physically.!!!
Thank YOU LORD FOR THIS BLOG, for leading and guiding David Mainse and his family in bringing it to us daily, for the wisdom and knowledge you have imparted to him and his family in this, that You OH LORD BE GLORIFIED. Amen!!
Bless all who partake of it and join in prayer and thought!!!
What spectacular photos of The Church of the Nativity!!! Thank you.
Jim and Kathy’s description of Satan is so insightful and wise. It has broadened my understanding and gives me tremendous strength to resist him and his evil co-horts. Thank you!
The only place I socialize is at the pool! Many people know about this blog! Many people tell me that they do the blog 3/4 times a week, and can’t always do it daily because they have work, family, apppointments. it is been mentionied that some people would like this blog 5 days a week! That idea appeals to me very much also. I just can’t do the blog every day, it’s getting way past the 100 words! I admit there are days I don’t read; it is too much for me every day; so I miss several days and just read today’s blog…..
I hope Mr. Mainse reads tese blogs, I would like him to consider the 5 days….
The other irritating factor is the way Bilblegateway.com works, I have to shut down each reading and start up new again every time……it was not that way in the beginning……..
I realize changes happen, and I want it understood I am not trying to pick a fight! I realize that many people have lots of time to do the blog each day, but not everyone does and some of the people that I have spoken with start to feel guilty because they can’t do the blog every day!…..
I know of 2 individuals who were doing the blog everyday to the best of their ability but life got in the way; they missed a few days and then a few more and than stopped altogether……..
these are my suggestions for what they are worth……..
I pray for you, Sah. The point of the blog is to read the Bible every day, preferably morning, at the start of the day, to spend time with God and read His Holy Word, and be fed by the Spirit. Some people are night people, and that is okay, as long as they are in God’s Word, every night. Posting a comment is not mandatory, especially if it becomes stressful. But reading the Word of God, praying, being in communication with Jesus, sitting in His Presence, and being filled with the Holy Spirit is a daily practice. I find it difficult because the time I prefer to leave for my hour long swim at the pool in the morning is between 6:20 and 6:50. That means spending an hour in the Word and prayer well before, then getting ready to leave, which takes longer, due to my back problems. Sometimes I don’t make it as early as I like and I find that very stressful but I am learning to go with the flow, of late. If I get to the gym an hour later, then so be it. Putting God first is the priority. What I have been doing of late is reading the scripture and blog from 2014 for the following day; preparing a comment with scripture and song and saving it in an email, then copying it into the blog the next morning, when I re-read it. The Word also sinks in more, reading it twice. A great number of the bloggers are at the senior age and I am certain no one finds it easy. I think of David Mainse, being a senior, himself, stricken with cancer, and first preparing the blog in 2012; rising at 4 am each morning, following the call God had placed on him. That is an incredible inspiration to hold onto. Be joyful with thanksgiving because our God is an awesome God and we are so truly blessed to have this blog and one another to share it with. Amen.
Amen Beverly and thank you for all your contributions and wisdom. I am one of those evening people. Blessings to everyone !
Amen, Beverlee!
Sah, are you following the version of the reading that is read aloud by the narrator? If you are, there is a little box that you need to un-click so that the reading will not go on continuously. I had that problem but now I make sure that the box is blank and the reading stops at the end of the prescribed reading. Just a thought in case that is the problem you are having.
Beverlee, I believe my blog has been greatly misunderstood by you!
I am sorry you sound upset, Sah. I don’t understand your comment. To only have the blog 5 days a week deletes the purpose. Everyone who posts makes time to do so, as you do, when you post prayers. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t post, everyday, but read the Bible everyday–that was my point. God bless you, Sah.