Jesus Defeats the Dragon (Satan)
Today I want to stretch your imagination. I do not mean that I will stretch your thinking with some made-up story; rather, I want to stretch your thinking with an amazing story, one that seems too grand to be true. Let me take you to the book of Revelation; while this book has been victimized by folks who desire to manipulate its simple message into the latest spine-tingling conspiracy story, it is a book that can encourage everyone.
Revelation 12 makes reference to the birth of Jesus. The drama of Revelation 12 is not your typical Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem on a donkey type of story. It is full of symbolism. It speaks of a woman being attacked by a Dragon while in the midst of childbirth. The Dragon is Satan. We know this because in Revelation 20:2 God tells us that Satan has many names, and one of those names is “Dragon.” Satan attacks the woman (another symbol for the people of Israel, whom the Messiah was predicted to hail from). Why does this grand drama speak of Satan attacking this woman and the child she is giving birth to? Because this child is Jesus.
The story speaks of Jesus ruling over our world with power and authority. In response to Jesus' coming into our world, Satan fights Him tooth and nail. Have you ever wondered why the story of Jesus’ life has so much conflict, so many twists and turns? Was it an accident that Joseph and Mary were forced to travel to Bethlehem when she was so far along in her pregnancy? It doesn’t sound like a joy ride to me! Was it an accident that paranoid Herod sought to kill all the male children in Bethlehem in reaction to Jesus’ birth? Was it an accident that Satan sought to divert Jesus from going to the cross (and dying for mankind) during his forty days of temptation? Was it an accident that the people who lived in Jesus’ hometown (Nazareth) sought to kill Him after He preached His first sermon? This is just a sampling of the many ways that Satan attempted to sidetrack Jesus and His ministry.
After the woman gave birth to a son, Revelation 12:7 speaks of a war in Heaven. The Archangel Michael and Heaven’s angels fought against Satan and the fallen angels. Revelation 12:9 says that Satan’s forces were defeated. How was Satan defeated? Revelation 12:11 says that Satan is defeated by the blood of Jesus and the Gospel message that proclaims His atoning sacrifice.
Why did God inspire the Apostle John to write the book of Revelation? It was to remind God’s people that Satan has met His match in Jesus. Jesus has saved us, He has redeemed us, and He has given us hope because of His sinless life and perfect sacrifice. A simple title for the book of Revelation might be: “The Lamb Wins.” Jesus, the lamb of God, has given His life so that we do not have to fear our great enemy, Satan. While the Devil is far greater than we are, he is no match for the Creator of the universe.
I do not know what situation you are in, or what storm you are facing. There are trials and difficulties in this world, but God wants us to know that He has the power to save us and protect us. He wants us to know that He loves us beyond imagination. He wants us to accept His invitation to be part of His family. While this story might sound too good to be true, it is quite real. Keep looking up!