Ep 507 – Revelation 12:1-6

In Revelation 12:1-6, John is introduced to three characters who will play significant roles in the end time story as it continues to be unveiled. One is described as a woman in childbirth. Second, is the child who will be born to her. And finally, there is the dragon, who will attempt to destroy the child. As we will see, the woman represents Israel and the child is Jesus, the Messiah, who was born into the lineage of David and was of the house of Judah. The dragon is none other than Satan himself. Israel, Jesus and Satan. All three of these characters are primary players in the tribulation narrative. Everything John has been shown and that he has recorded in his book involves these three. Just prior to the start of the tribulation, the church was raptured. Christ returned for His bride and took her to be with Him in heaven. But the people of God, the nation of Israel, were left on the earth and they would become primary participants in the tribulation period. And Satan would eventually make them the focus of his wrath, allowing his servant, the Antichrist, to persecute them and put them to death. But as John sees in his vision, God would also protect a remnant of His people during the darkest days of the tribulation, because He is not done with them. At one time, Satan had tried to eliminate the Son of God, but had failed. And during the tribulation, he will try to eliminate the people of God. But he will fail yet again. Because God must keep the covenant He made with His people.