Revelation 12:7

“And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels…”

Dear reader, allow me to skip over the seven seals, the seven angels of the seven churches, rich with imagery that had more meaning for the readers then, obviously, than for us who are removed from their history, their culture and their plight.

As we get to Chapter 12 we can rejoin the great revelation for it describes our times, our history, our present situation and our worship as well as theirs.

The forces of Satan and evil are intent on destroying the faith of the believers not only in those seven churches but in all churches.  John saw an amazing drama that has provided comfort and assurance for trouble believers through the ages.

We pick up the story in Chapter 12, a glimpse into heaven itself. A woman was about to give birth to a child.  Satan realized that he could not destroy the woman nor did it appear that he really wanted to. His rage was focused on her child.

We read, “The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born.”  That child was Jesus, of course.   We then see, “Her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.”  The outraged Satan leased his fury against the archangel Michael and all the God-serving hosts of heaven.

Michael’s “angels fought against the dragon and his angels fought back.”  v 7  Mind you, there was war in heaven in this extraordinary vision.  The answer to mankind’s salvation depended on the coming of this child who would save them from their sins and give them fellowship with the Father.  Satan knew that the son was destined to destroy his works!

In the name and power of God, Michael and his angels overcame Satan’s minions, leaving him in utter defeat.  To heap insult on injury Satan and his followers “lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.”

This shifted the power alignment in heaven, certainly, and the potential is for it to be  likewise on the earth.  (To be continued.)