READING: Job 8-11, Revelation 12
Once again, today’s New Testament reading has evoked much discussion. Scholars debate what the “war” is and when it will take place, but the result is the same either way: the forces of evil fight against the forces of God, but the “dragon and his angels” (the evil forces) could not prevail. Regardless of when the war takes place, it’s clear the dragon wants to destroy the work of God, including seeking to end the life of the Son born of the woman. The enemy does not win, though, against the One who is “going to rule all the nations with an iron rod” (Rev 12:5). The accuser of the brethren is cast down.
The text describes the great dragon in multiple ways—all that suggest evil: “the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world” (Rev 12:9). He’s sly. He’s the adversary. He’s deceptive. He deceives the whole world. He’s the enemy of God.
And, he will not win.
A baby born in Bethlehem would defeat him. Praise the Lord!
PRAYER: “Thank You, Lord, that the dragon is already defeated.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Job 12-14, Psalm 100, Revelation 13
