Pointing to Jesus (Revelation 12)

Summary:

Revelation 12 symbolically depicts the cosmic spiritual battle between God’s redemptive plan and Satan’s opposition throughout the church age. 

The chapter opens with a vision of a woman, radiant with glory, representing God’s covenant people (Israel and the church), who gives birth to a male child, Jesus, destined to rule the nations (12:5). 

The dragon, identified as Satan, seeks to devour the child but fails as Christ is exalted to God’s throne, signifying His victory through His life, death, and resurrection. 

The woman flees to the wilderness, protected by God for a symbolic 1,260 days, representing the church’s preservation through persecution during the present age. 

Satan, cast out of heaven by Michael, rages against the woman and her offspring (believers), but his defeat is assured through Christ’s victory and the faithful witness of the saints, who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony (12:11).

This chapter does not describe a future tribulation but the ongoing spiritual reality of the church age. 

The casting down of Satan signifies his decisive defeat at the cross (John 12:31), though he remains active, accusing and persecuting believers. 

Satan’s schemes are limited, and God’s protection of His people is certain, ensuring the church’s spiritual security despite earthly trials.

Pointing to Jesus:

Revelation 12 points redemptively to Jesus as the male child, the promised Messiah who fulfills God’s covenant plan. 

His birth, life, and ascension to God’s throne represent His triumph over Satan through His atoning death and resurrection. 

Christ’s finished work on the cross is the basis for Satan’s defeat and the salvation of God’s people. 

The victory of the saints “by the blood of the Lamb” (12:11) underscores that Christ’s sacrifice is the sole ground of redemption, empowering believers to stand firm against Satan’s accusations. 

Jesus, as the ruler of the nations (12:5, cf. Ps. 2:9), exercises sovereign authority, ensuring that Satan’s efforts against the church ultimately fail. 

The covenant faithfulness of God is displayed in Christ’s redemptive work, securing the salvation and perseverance of His people until His return to consummate His kingdom.

Reflection:

Revelation 12 encourages Christians to live with confidence and perseverance in the face of spiritual opposition. 

The chapter reminds believers that Satan, though active, is a defeated foe, and their victory is secured through Christ’s blood and their faithful witness. 

For the Christian, this calls for steadfast trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that no trial or persecution can separate them from Christ’s love (Rom. 8:37-39). 

The sufficiency of Christ’s work inspires believers to rely on His grace, resist temptation, and boldly proclaim the gospel, even at great personal cost. 

Practically, this means living with hope, engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture, and standing firm in faith, knowing that God protects and sustains His people through the wilderness of this world until Christ returns in glory.