The Cosmic Drama
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The Cosmic Drama
1. A Drama That Goes Perfectly to Plan
Unlike earthly productions that go awry, this cosmic drama unfolds exactly according to plan. Revelation 12 invites us to witness a divine story playing out both in the heavens and on Earth.
2. The Cast of the Drama
The Woman
The woman in Revelation 12 is described as clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars. She is pregnant with a child who is destined to rule the nations. While some may think of Mary, this woman is described as a sign—a representation. Her symbolism connects to Genesis 37, where Joseph sees the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him, representing Israel. Thus, the woman represents Israel, and more broadly, all the people of God—Old and New Testament believers together.
The Dragon
Described as a great red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven diadems, the dragon represents Satan. Revelation 12:9 identifies him as the ancient serpent, the devil, the deceiver of the whole world. He is not just a character in this moment, but the power behind all evil, giving authority to the beasts in Revelation 13. He stands ready to devour the child, echoing Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus after His birth.
The Child
The male child is Jesus Christ, the one who is to rule the nations with a rod of iron, as described in Psalm 2. Unlike the woman and the dragon, He is not a sign of something else. Jesus is not a symbol; He is the center of the story. Verse 5 summarizes His life: born, caught up to God, and to His throne.
3. The Woman in the Wilderness
Verse 6 tells us that the woman fled to the wilderness where God nourishes her for 1,260 days. This represents God’s protection over His people throughout the church age—from Jesus’ ascension until His return. The wilderness imagery recalls Israel’s Exodus, where God miraculously provided food, water, and protection. Verse 14 deepens this parallel, referencing eagle's wings—a phrase used in Exodus 19.
4. War in Heaven
The Battle
A war breaks out in heaven: Michael and his angels fight against the dragon and his angels. The dragon loses and is cast out of heaven. This is a spiritual victory that mirrors the victory won by Jesus on the cross. John 12:31 speaks of the ruler of this world being cast out, and Jesus affirms it again when He says, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
The Victory
Verse 11 reveals how believers overcome: by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and by not loving their lives even unto death. The Lamb’s blood nullifies Satan’s accusations. The word of testimony affirms truth in a world of lies. And sacrificial devotion to God crushes the grip of earthly fear.
5. War on Earth
Satan’s Rage
Now cast down to Earth, Satan turns his fury on the woman and her offspring—those who obey God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. He pursues the people of God with fury, but God continues to protect them. Wings carry the woman to safety, and when the dragon sends a river after her, the Earth swallows it.
Echoes of Exodus
Just as the Red Sea swallowed Pharaoh’s army, God intervenes again to protect His people. The cosmic drama reflects the reality that while Satan is active, God is present and defending His people.
6. How Satan Attacks
Deception
Satan is called the deceiver of the whole world (verse 9). He twists truth to convince us that God’s standards are too high, His presence is absent, and sin is harmless fun. He wants us to think God doesn’t care or that we’re missing out.
Accusation
He is also the accuser of the brethren (verse 10). After deceiving us into sin, he throws our failures in our face: "Who do you think you are? You're not worthy." He uses guilt and shame to paralyze us from living in God’s grace and serving His purposes.
7. How God’s People Overcome
By the Blood of the Lamb
Our sins are real, but so is Christ’s sacrifice. When Satan accuses, we remember the blood of Jesus. If Satan’s accusations are lies, we reject them. If they are true, we confess and cling to grace. The blood of the Lamb is our defense.
By the Word of Our Testimony
This is not just our story; it’s Jesus' story. His truth about who we are, who Satan is, and what sin does equips us to reject deception. We overcome when we dwell in the truth of God’s Word.
By Not Loving Our Lives Unto Death
Overcoming means surrender. It means living with such trust in God that no cost is too great to follow Him. This is dying to self, living for Christ, and enduring even when the world or Satan pushes back.
8. The Call to Live in Victory
Though the enemy is fierce, his time is short. Satan has already lost the war. We must stop living like we are defeated. If we have put our faith in Christ, then we are children of God. The lies of Satan do not apply. Let us live in that truth and give ourselves fully to God, where true joy and purpose are found.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Cosmic Drama
Date: May 26, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 12:1–17
Psalm 2
Genesis 37
John 12
Exodus 19
1 Peter 5:8
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