Characters

690. "Characters"
February 12, 2013
Revelation 12-Part 14
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11

LET IT GLOW

When I used to read novels, I would write the characters' names on the back page or the cover page. Usually I would identify and describe  them. This was so I could keep up with who was whom. It might be helpful to do such a thing again concerning chapter 12. I found that this was already done for me, which is a big help.

Charles Swindoll, in his book Swindoll's New Testament Insights on Revelation identifies the characters as:

Woman-the righteous remnant of Israel,
Dragon and his armies-Satan and his demons working through the wicked world powers,
Male child-Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords,
Michael and his armies-archangel Michael and elect angels,
Offspring-the tribulation saints.
 

It's good to know who you are up against. I have heard that saying before. If you know about your enemies and how they operate, then you can prepare yourself and your strategy of attack or defence.

Well, friends, I'm here to let you know, our enemy is Satan and his demons. (Probably this is not news to you.)

The Bible calls Satan "the accuser of our brothers," in Revelation 12:10. It's the Devil's job to blame, complain, and criticize members of God's family. anytime we do the same, we're being duped into doing Satan's work for him. Remember, other Christians, no matter how much you disagree with them, are not the real enemy. Any time we spend comparing or criticizing other believers is time that should have been spent building the unity of our fellowship. (The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren)

What can we do to help that person? Perhaps I need to ask the one criticizing another. I should ask myself that question. Perhaps I should walk away and not listen nor participate in that conversation. Paul tells us in Romans 14:19: Let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.

Yes, indeed, I have something to world on today.

LET IT GROW

Swindoll gives us some practical points to use in our everyday lives:

1. Israel may be blind and disobedient as a nation, but God has never forgotten her. The same God who stands by His promises to Israel stands by His promise to each of us: I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you. (Heb. 13:5)
2. Although Satan is a powerful and aggressive foe, he will not triumph. Satan accuses us before God every day and night, while at the same time Jesus Christ, our advocate, ceaselessly intercedes for us (Heb. 7:25).
3. We may be open and assaulted targets today, but we need not fear. Satan still operates under the restraining hand of God. When we draw near to God, He will protect us from any attack Satan can unleash against us. James 4:7 says, Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Revelation 12:11 states, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Am I like the remnant which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ? (verse 17)

Here are some verses to remind us of the victory we can enjoy as a member of the Body of Christ:

• Luke 22:31-32
• Ephesians 6:12-13
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• 1 Peter 5:8-10
• James 4:7-8
• 1 John 4:4

LET IT GO

Be an encourager, not an accuser.

Stop fault finding-love.

Beware of the lieing devil.

Resist and rebuke the devil so he flees.

Trust Jesus, the Almighty God.