A Little Understanding Makes a Big Difference
Before the first rays of daylight pierced the morning sky, the rumble of a truck’s engine backing into our driveway caught the attention of our sleepy dogs. Suddenly, they were alert and loudly warning us of something out of the ordinary. As more trucks parked on the street and workers sauntered onto our lawn, the dogs became more agitated. Their barking was incessant, and they were clearly confused as to why we weren’t distressed.
Ladders clanged outside our windows as the workers climbed up and began to strip off the old roof and prepare to replace it with a new one. Powerful storms last spring and summer had taken their toll. Several neighboring houses had already undergone roof replacement. Now it was our turn.
The boyfriend (AKA husband) and I settled in for some work, filling our coffee mugs as we usually did each morning. The dogs stopped their barking and commenced to shake nervously, each one seeking refuge as close to us as possible. The cacophony of the workers overhead and on the ground paralyzed our trembling pups for the next several hours. We, meanwhile, went about our business.
Late in the afternoon, debris was collected from the yard. One by one, the workers and their trucks drove out of the neighborhood. The rumbling of the first truck to arrive was the last sound we heard before silence fell. We walked outside to admire our new roof. The dogs charged into the yard, anxious to attack the intruders, but none could be found.
While perceived threat and chaos had distressed the dogs all day, we were fine. We knew what was happening and why, and we knew that in the end, we would have a new roof. Everything would be okay. Our dogs never got that memo.
In Revelation 12, the apostle John witnesses “a great and wondrous sign” in heaven. He sees a woman in labor, robed by the sun, crowned by twelve stars, and with the moon under her feet. Then John sees another sign – this one horrible and grotesque. An enormous red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and a crown on each of its heads flings one-third of the stars to earth with a swipe of its powerful tail.
It positions itself in front of the woman as she gives birth, intent on devouring her Child. She gives birth to a Son Who is immediately snatched up to God, safe from the dragon’s murderous intent. The woman escapes to the desert where God has prepared a place of ministry and care for her.
This scene described by John is both fascinating and disturbing, but there’s meaning behind each element. While there are differing understandings of this prophetic scene, one is that the woman represents true, believing Israel, who then gives birth to the Messiah. The red dragon represents Satan, the enemy of God and of His people. Satan is intent on killing the Child to prevent the salvation of God’s children, but he’s unable to thwart God’s plans and purposes. The Son born to the woman is Jesus Christ, Who is caught up to be with God – safe and secure.
What can we learn from this depiction in Revelation 12? First, realize that when God releases us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His marvelous light, we become targets for Satan’s hatred and attacks. Second, while we may suffer harm at Satan’s hand, God keeps us spiritually and eternally safe and secure. Nothing and no one can snatch us from our Father’s hand. Third, while Satan’s attacks are brutal, his fury comes from knowing his time is short. God will put an end to the hideous red dragon, and the dragon knows his end is drawing near. Fourth, we’ll overcome our enemy in God’s power, not our own. As we rely on Him and trust the promises in His Word, we’re strengthened for the battle at hand. Finally, just as God provided refuge and protection for the woman, we can know He’ll be our refuge and protection until evil and its perpetrator are forever destroyed.
When the roofers showed up at our house, our dogs had no clue what was happening. Their day was ruled by fear and threat. But we knew what was happening and that at the end of the day, all would be well.
People see the world in chaos and turmoil. Panic and fear set in, but these times call for wisdom and understanding. Those who know God and trust in His Word and His power can have peace and confidence that all will be well. Unbelievers should look to us in confusion, wondering why we’re not gripped by the same panic and fear they’re experiencing. What an opportunity to share the reason for the hope we have in Jesus!
The earth will shake, governments will collapse, and evil will run wild for a time. But we know the red dragon won’t prevail. His end is coming. And when it does, God’s beautiful reign of His kingdom of marvelous light over His beloved, faithful, persevering children will begin. Lord, hasten the day.
