Revelation 12
November 8, 2022
“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! 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.’” (v10-12)
Because Satan, the “Accuser,” lost the war for Heaven (v7), he was cast out of Heaven. This is cause for rejoicing (v12a), since Satan can no longer accuse us of our sins before God. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t still seeking to wreak havoc on us. After being cast out of Heaven, we’re told that he has “gone down to us” (v12b). Why? Because he is seeking revenge against God, by going after us, His children.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the cross - that not only obtained my forgiveness, but also victory over the Accuser. Open my eyes, though, to the fact that, while Satan is a defeated foe, he is still a dangerous foe, seeking to destroy and devour (1 Peter 5:8). Remind me of this when my life is opposed - that there is an evil one who is seeking to keep me from living the joy-filled, purpose-driven life You have for me. Thank You, too, that I can rejoice amidst this opposition, because I know that the war in Heaven has already been won, and that the enemy’s doom is sure!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
