Re:Verse reading–Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17; 13:1-4, 11-18 (day one)
In Revelation 12, John’s vision continues to grow (in complexity and in tension). He sees a gloriously clad woman who was “with child”. Standing in front of her is a dragon, waiting for the child to be born so that he might “devour” the newborn. (v 4).
The dragon represents Satan (v 9). The woman (some say) is Mary, and the baby is Jesus. (But what, then, does it mean that she fled to the wilderness for over one thousand days?) Others say the woman is the church. (But Christ gave birth to the church, not vice versa). The best explanation is that the woman represents true Israel, Israel of faith. From her came the Savior. Against her, the wrath of Satan is poured out.
At the end of time, God will still be dealing with Israel. Calling them to salvation in Christ, protecting them. Long struggle. Not over yet. Someday soon, we hope. Someday soon!
