Revelation 17:14

“Satan and his hosts will make war on the Lamb but the Lamb will overcome.”

Chapters 13 to 16 describe the struggle between Satan and the church of Jesus Christ here on the earth.  The images John saw – such as beast and woman, earthquake and plagues – describe a conflict that seems to have no end, no resolution.

The conflict rages on, causing suffering and anguish on the part of the followers of the Lamb, including John and the churches he was responsible for. John witnessed the drama that may seem strange to us because we do not have the context of the strange imagery, like seven horns and seven heads, etc.

As I read this passage I come to 17:14.  John saw that Satan and his hosts “…will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

I gather from this that the battle was not between two rather equal powers contending for the throne but was between a rebel army that was determined to unseat him who was seated on the throne already.  This rebellion was unsuccessful because the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is, was and always shall be King of kings and Lord of lords.  The atoning work of the Lamb expressed the mind and will of God long before time began or kingdoms were established on earth.  Satan’s rebellion was doomed because the rule of God is the one great constant of all reality.  That rule might be disputed or disliked but it remains forever and ever.

Jesus does not rule by coercive means.  That is more like a lion!  He rules by providing a poured-out life that invites sinners to enter into God’s fullness by repentant faith. That, my friend, can never change. It is!

It could be that John was hoping that Jesus would prevail even though, at the time that did not appear likely as the mighty King or Emperor of Roman reigns.  John’s faith was restored, certainly by the revelation of the Lamb of God who, in apparent weakness, defeats that ancient Satan. Not by might nor by power but by the Holy Spirit.

There is an and to the war. God reigns forever and ever.  Amen.