HIGHLIGHT
Revelation 12:11 (ESV): 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
EXPLAIN
Within the story of John’s revelation, the woman and the dragon are like a flashback or a pull-out or short vignette.
The woman appears to illustrate the people of God, Israel and then the Church. She gives birth to a male child who is to rule all the nations, but her child is taken up to heaven. Then, the woman flees into the wilderness where she is nourished for 3.5 years.
War arose in heaven, and Michael and his angels defeat the great dragon who is thrown to earth. A loud voice then proclaims praise to God, which includes this highlighted verse.
In the verses that follow, the dragon pursues the woman (the people of God) but the woman is able to escape the dragon who goes to make war against the rest of her offspring.
APPLY
We can live confident of victory over sin and Satan! Our victory comes through Christ’s shed blood and the word of our testimony.
Our confidence does come with responsibility: we must continue to pledge our allegiance by faith in Christ and we must boldly proclaim that allegiance to the world.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for victory in Christ Jesus! May I live faithfully for you, sharing your love and grace with others. Amen.