Merry Christmas! Unveiling the Grand Redemptive Story: Revelation 12 and the Defeated Bloodthirsty Red Dragon

Revelation 12:1-17 unfolds a gripping narrative that transcends time, delving into the past, addressing the present, and pointing towards the future. This unique Christmas story, unlike the conventional nativity narrative, unveils a cosmic battle involving a radiant woman, a male child destined to rule nations, and a bloodthirsty red dragon. The profound symbolism in these verses ties together biblical prophecies and emphasizes the victory that Christmas brings. Truly understanding Christmas requires to gaze beyond the manger, shepherds, and swaddling clothes, to see the unseen spiritual reality electrifying that Silent Night.

The Son's Triumph is Our Triumph:

In verse 5, the male child, destined to rule with an iron scepter, mirrors the prophecy in Psalm 2:7, where God declares, "You are my son." This triumph culminates in the ascension of Jesus, as described in Hebrews 1:3, marking the pivotal moment in the redemption narrative. Because Jesus succeeded where Israel and we fail; we can be “in Christ” and find our salvation. Because of His active obedience — actively keeping and fulfilling God’s commandments — His righteousness is imputed to us. Because of His passive obedience — submitting to the will of the Father to endure Calvary — our sins are imputed to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 rings true, “God made him who had no sin to be sin b for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The Woman's Identity is Our Identity:

The woman, adorned with the sun and standing on the moon with twelve stars, echoes Joseph's dream in Genesis 37. This vision may also symbolizes Mary's role in giving birth to Jesus, drawing parallels to Israel bringing forth the Messiah. But we can also assume the twelve stars signify that signify the twelve tribes of Israel also represent the church according to Revelation chapter 7. This means the woman could represent the Christ-bearing community of faith; or the Church. It makes sense as we see the dragon continues pursuing the woman and all the more as he knows his time is short. The enemy still pursues the faithful Christ-bearing community and all the more ferociously as time goes on.

The Dragon's Defeat is Our Victory:

Identified as Satan, the ancient serpent, the dragon faces defeat in heavenly warfare, fulfilling the promise of a savior in Isaiah 9:6. The birth of Jesus becomes God's decisive act of war against the forces of evil, rooted in the proto evangelium (first telling of the gospel) in Genesis 3:15.

The dragon's relentless attacks on the “seed” promised, seen through various biblical events, highlight Satan's opposition to God's redemptive plan. Murder, adultery, anti-semitism, genocide, are all tools inspired by Satan in this war. From Cain and Abel to the birth of Jesus, and through the trials faced by the patriarchs and kings, the dragon attempts to thwart God's promise by eliminating the “seed.”

The climax at Calvary solidifies the victory of Christ! The empty cross and empty tomb are evidence of the dragons imminent end. As believers in Christ, we now stand firm against the defeated foe, embracing the fourfold reality of salvation, power, the Kingdom of God, and the authority of Messiah Jesus (Rev 12:10)!

Rejoicing in Victory:

The triumphant believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, showcasing their love for the Lamb above their own lives (Rev 12:11). Despite Satan's intensified wrath, believers stand secure, reassured by the accomplished victory of Christ.

Conclusion:

Revelation 12:1-17 unfolds a narrative that goes beyond a traditional Christmas story. It encapsulates the grand redemptive plan of God, portraying the defeat of the bloodthirsty red dragon. As believers, we find assurance in Christ's victory, realizing that the peace we celebrate stems from the risen and victorious King Jesus. Trusting God's word and relying on His care, we stand firm against the defeated enemy, rejoicing in the enduring triumph of our Savior.

The Patience of God Displays the Power of God

In Nehemiah 9, we see God’s people fasting and praying for God’s forgiveness. Phenomenally, we see they stand in a posture to receive for three hours while publicly reading the scriptures aloud. That was not enough. They then confessed their sins for another three hours. After those six hours, the Levites then announce to the people, “It is time to stand and worship!”

What we read at this point is a really a fascinating song of praise. The lyrics are recorded for us to glean from. They sing about God as a promise keeper. He is a miracle worker. He visits them. He feeds them. In a moment of honesty and vulnerability before the Lord, they confess, “We have been arrogant and stiff-necked.”

But then we read they have a reason to celebrate.

Nehemiah 9.17…But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love…

God’s patience is a highly treasured attribute for us!

Why? Because God’s mercy and patience delays the punishment we deserve as sinful fallen creatures. He is able and willing to defer His justice so that we may experience His redemption and salvation. We are told in Romans 3.23 that all have been stained by sin. We have all missed God’s mark. Romans 6.23 teaches us the wages of our sinfulness is death. But the verse does not end there! A glorious second sentence is needed and thankfully proclaimed. “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We have a second sentence. We have hope because of God’s patience.

The cry of the Church in 1 Corinthians 16.22 is “Maranatha!” Come Lord! In Revelation 22.20 is our bridegroom’s response is, “Surely I am coming soon.”

So why does He delay? His patience. His heart is that none would perish as confirmed in 2 Peter 3.9. His patience restrains Himself.

His patience is His power to withhold what we rightly deserve

When we recognize His power to be patient, the truth becomes evident that it is actually showing us a power greater than His power to create.

Why?

The power of God exerted in creation displays God’s power over creatures and matter. Exercising His patience shows us God’s power over Himself. Power to control and order matter is swallowed in the enormity of the needed power to control God. Only God’s self has the power to control God’s self.

Therefore, His patience is not just a function of His love, goodness, and mercy, it is a revelation of HIs omnipotent power.

When we come to understand this power and receive His patience, things change in us. Here is an example of the change in Paul. We read he gains understanding of the patience of God in his first letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 1.15-17 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ut for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Receiving God’s patience produces humility.

Paul is able to admit he is the worst of sinners. Pride causes me to mask my insufficiencies. Humility enables me to be honest and vulnerable about my failures. I am able to be humble because I understand in my weakness, God’s strength and power is displayed. He is patient with me.

Receiving God’s patience produces a heart of compassion for the lost and broken.

Paul has in his mind, “those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” In my humility, because of God’s patience, I can have a heart of compassion for lost. Not a heart of judgement.

Receiving God’s patience inspires worship.

Paul is inspired to declare God’s goodness and glory as he meditates and writes about the patience of God. It is the power of God. It is a treasured attribute to Paul. It is to be a treasured attribute to us.