La mujer y el Dragón

Understanding Revelation: The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

Introduction to Revelation Chapter 12

• The discussion begins with a focus on Revelation Chapter 12, specifically regarding the woman, her child, and the dragon.

• The speaker identifies the woman as representing the nation of Israel, contrasting various interpretations from different theological perspectives.

Symbolism of the Woman

• The Roman Catholic Church interprets the woman as Mary and her child as Jesus; however, this interpretation lacks hermeneutical support according to the speaker.

• The imagery of a woman clothed with the sun and crowned with twelve stars is linked to Israel's twelve tribes or Joseph's twelve sons in his dream.

Connection to Christ

• The child born from this woman symbolizes Christ (the Messiah), with celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars) paying homage to him.

• Israel is often depicted in scripture as experiencing "birth pains," which aligns with this passage's description of anguish during childbirth.

Introduction of the Dragon

• A second sign appears: a great red dragon identified as Satan. This character embodies ferocity and demonic origins.

• The color red signifies bloodshed and murder associated with Satan’s nature since he has been a murderer from the beginning.

Characteristics of Satan

• Seven heads symbolize completeness in authority and strategy; they represent Satan's full capacity for governance and manipulation against humanity.

• Ten horns signify power; although powerful, Satan’s authority remains limited compared to God’s sovereignty.

Authority During Tribulation

• Each head adorned with diadems indicates recognition of Satan's temporary dominion over Earth during tribulation times.

• In these times, there will be an increase in idolatry directed towards Satanic figures like the beast and false prophet.

Cosmic Conflict

• The dragon attempts to devour the woman's child at birth—a metaphor for ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil.

• A reference is made to one-third of heaven’s stars being cast down by Satan—interpreted as fallen angels who rebelled alongside him.

Historical Context of Rebellion

• Questions arise about whether prophecies concerning Satan's fall refer to past events or future occurrences related to his ultimate defeat.

The Role of the Dragon in Revelation

The Expulsion of the Dragon

• The narrative describes a being, referred to as the dragon, that is cast down to Earth, indicating a significant event in biblical prophecy.

• This dragon forces a third of the stars (angels) from heaven to join him on Earth, suggesting a powerful and coercive influence over these fallen beings.

The Threat to Israel

• Upon his expulsion, the dragon positions himself against Israel, symbolized by a woman about to give birth, aiming to devour her child immediately after birth.

• Historically, there has been an ongoing satanic effort to destroy Israel's lineage since Genesis 3:15, where enmity is established between Satan and humanity.

Attempts at Annihilation

• Throughout history, Satan has attempted to thwart the coming of the Messiah by targeting Israel’s descendants; this includes notable events like Cain's murder of Abel and Pharaoh's decree against Hebrew infants.

• Various historical figures such as Pharaoh and Abimelech sought to corrupt or eliminate key women in Abraham's lineage as part of this ongoing strategy.

Historical Context of Persecution

• The text outlines several attempts at extermination including Herod’s order during Christ’s infancy and Haman’s plot against Jews in Esther’s time.

• These actions illustrate a consistent pattern where Satan seeks to prevent the arrival of the promised Messiah through direct attacks on Israel.

Birth and Protection of the Messiah

• The woman gives birth to a male child destined to rule with authority; this child represents Jesus Christ as identified later in Revelation.

• After His birth, He is taken up into heaven for divine protection while also signifying His role within God's eternal plan.

Israel's Refuge During Tribulation

Flight into the Desert

• Following childbirth, Israel flees into the desert where God has prepared sustenance for her during times of tribulation lasting 1260 days.

Significance of the Desert Experience

• The desert symbolizes discipline and reliance on God; it serves as both a literal refuge and metaphorical space for spiritual growth and repentance.

Divine Provision

• In this desolate place, God will provide essential needs like food and water while fostering dependence on Him among His people during their trials.

Duration Related to Prophetic Events

• The duration mentioned (1260 days), aligns with other prophetic timelines such as those concerning two witnesses who will also minister for three-and-a-half years.

The Battle in Heaven: Understanding the Role of Michael and Satan

The Context of the Antichrist's Reign

• The period when Israel fled from the desert, escaping the Antichrist, corresponds to 42 months of his reign, equating to 1,260 days or half of a prophetic week.

Michael as Archangel

• Michael is identified as the only archangel in the Bible, signifying his role as chief among angels. Some suggest there may be other unnamed archangels based on descriptions in Daniel.

The Cosmic Battle

• Michael leads countless angels against Satan and his forces (the dragon), representing a significant spiritual conflict.

• After being expelled from heaven by God, Satan cannot return to celestial realms; this battle is yet to occur in future eschatological events.

Nature of Satan

• Described as a fierce dragon and ancient serpent, Satan embodies aggression and cunning deceit—mixing truth with lies to mislead humanity.

• Many individuals are deceived by false beliefs about their goodness without God or involvement in sinful behaviors due to Satan's influence.

Accusation Before God

• Satan acts as an accuser before God, highlighting human sins and failures. This role parallels biblical accounts where he accuses figures like Joshua the high priest.

• His name means adversary or opponent, emphasizing his opposition to God's will and purpose for humanity.

The Assurance of Salvation

• A heavenly proclamation declares salvation through Christ has come because the accuser has been cast out. Despite ongoing human errors, believers have Jesus as their advocate before God.

• Christ defends believers against accusations by affirming their redemption through His sacrifice—highlighting a cosmic struggle between accusation and defense that continues until future eschatological fulfillment.

Conclusion: The Urgency of Spiritual Warfare

• As Satan descends with great wrath knowing his time is short, believers are called to rejoice while remaining vigilant against deception during these tumultuous times.

Understanding the Great Tribulation

The Nature of Followers During the Great Tribulation

• The text emphasizes that followers of Christ will face significant challenges during the Great Tribulation, highlighting a clear dichotomy between believers and non-believers.

• It discusses the misconception of "gray areas" in faith, asserting that those not in Christ are under enemy influence, which will become evident during tribulations.

• Non-followers will worship Satan and his false prophets, contrasting with the faithful who are sealed by God, emphasizing a lack of neutrality in spiritual allegiance.

Victory Through Faith

• Believers overcome through the blood of the Lamb and their testimony, indicating that salvation is rooted in faith rather than mere martyrdom.

• The importance of maintaining one's testimony is stressed; even during persecution, believers must rely on Christ's sacrifice for salvation.

Sacrifice and Commitment

• The text highlights that martyrs value their relationship with Christ over their physical lives, showcasing an admirable commitment to faith amidst danger.

• It notes that these individuals prioritize their loyalty to Jesus over natural desires for life and comfort.

Spiritual Warfare and Divine Protection

• Following Satan's expulsion from heaven, he becomes enraged and pursues Israel as a means to attack Christ indirectly.

• This section illustrates Satan's tactics against Israel as part of his broader strategy against God's promises.

God's Provision for His People

• As Satan targets Israel post-expulsion from heaven, God provides protection symbolized by eagle wings leading them to safety in the desert.

• The imagery of eagle wings represents divine agility and speed in delivering Israel from persecution similar to past deliverances like crossing the Red Sea.

Understanding the Role of Israel in Prophecy

The Sustaining Power of God

• The discussion begins with the assertion that God will supernaturally sustain Israel, similar to how He did during Moses' time.

• References are made to prophetic expressions like "time, times, and half a time," which relate to a period of three and a half years, indicating significant eschatological events.

The Great Tribulation

• It is noted that God will lead His people into the wilderness for 1260 days, correlating with the mentioned prophetic timeframe.

• A desperate attempt by Satan to destroy Israel is described; he sends forth water from his mouth as a metaphorical river, possibly representing an army.

Divine Intervention

• The earth's intervention in swallowing the river symbolizes God's protection over Israel as they escape into the wilderness.

• The woman represents Israel as a whole but acknowledges that there will be scattered Jews during this tumultuous time.

The Role of the 144,000

• Discussion includes the 144,000 sealed individuals tasked with preaching the Gospel globally while being dispersed rather than concentrated within Israel.

• After failing to harm the woman (Israel), Satan turns his wrath towards these 144,000 witnesses.

Concluding Thoughts on Revelation Chapter 12

• The chapter concludes with reflections on John's vision regarding Israel and its significance in prophecy. It highlights ongoing spiritual warfare against God's chosen people.