So we know the devil was thrown down. He lost the war in Heaven because of the work of Christ. He is finished and he knows he only has a short time left so he will not be silent.
“When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” (Revelation 12: 13-17)
The war is over but the battle rages on.
In stark contrast to the river of God the dragon spews a torrent of water at the woman to drown her. Ever feel like you are drowning under a flood of accusations, deceitfulness and lies? Ever feel like walking out, giving up, handing in the keys saying you cannot cope anymore? It is the torrent that is coming against you.
You are part of this drama in these verses. Don’t be surprised.
But be encouraged:-
- It is only for a short time: 1260 days, a symbol of the time between Christ’s first and second coming; our lives are short here on earth.
- God will find a way for you to be rescued or to hold on in the midst of the suffering. The earth is on the side of God (and us) as it swallows up the torrent.
More difficulties will come for the dragon wants to bring as many down with him as possible but help is on its way. Hold on. More are with us than are against us.
Missions Paul 