May 3 | Revelation 12:1-12

Elaine Pierce
5 days ago
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

God Wins the War

By Elaine Pierce

Ephesians 6:10-12 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

In today's passage we see a vivid description of the fight of good vs. evil: an enormous red dragon comes sweeping out of the skies, bent on capturing the newborn baby "who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter (v. 5)" In John's incredible vision, the dragon is defeated - but not after a war in heaven: Michael and his angels on one side, the dragon and his angels on the other side.

And how did Michael's team prevail? "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony; (v. 11)."

Verse 12 reminds us that, while the Lamb has certainly won the war, there will still be battles ahead:

But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.

The devil does not give up easily, does he? Paul reminds us in the letter to the Ephesians that there are dark forces and evil in this world. Yes, God will be victorious, but we will have times of great struggle. Times of darkness. Times that seem hopeless.

As you go through this week, I would encourage you - and I will join you - to remember God's promises in the midst of chaos, fear and worry. The accuser - Satan and his followers - have been cast out of heaven. Their power cannot compare to the one who holds us in the palm of his hand. As Pastors Steve and Aaron have reminded us, the book of Revelation has more worship songs than any other book in the Bible except for the Psalms. Read over these promises. Claim them. And rejoice that He is Worthy!

PRAYER

Lord, so often I fail to look to you in times of stress and fear. Help me to say, along with King David, that You, O Lord, have set your glory above the heavens. How majestic is your name in all the earth. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!