By Shari Johnson, Publisher (aka The Jesus Chick)
I have nearly completed the reading of the Bible through once again. I’m not sure how many times I’ve read it through, not nearly enough, I do know that. But every time I read and study the Word of God, regardless of where I’m reading, the result is the same. It’s personal. It’s not just reading a book, it’s the Living Word of God and His Spirit speaks to mine and I’m in awe that we are gifted such an amazing conversation. It reminds me that when God called me into the ministry, He did so with a purpose that I stick in my pocket like a drivers license and bring it out when the Holy Spirit pulls me over for driving under the influence of the world. I am convicted of my failure to do what God calls me to do.
So today as I read through Revelation 12, followed by listening to a sermon on the same chapter, it was if God said, “Step out of the car please, I need you to take an agility test.” Not like that of a DUI check point, but one that will determine whether or not I’m capable of navigating the road that is before me spiritually? Are you? Or have you even given it any consideration. Much like when we get into a vehicle and drive down the same stretches of highway day after day, giving no thought to what’s around the turn because it’s been the same for decades, is the same manner for which we think about our future. And yet, the future looks very different even on the same stretches of highway if you know scripture.
Revelation 12:1-6 KJV
[1] And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
Not by my own wisdom but through the wisdom of Bible scholars far brighter than I, the woman is explained to represent the Nation of Israel. This little piece of land that is nothing short of miracle and a land that will once again return to the focus of God’s attention in end times. What’s shocking about reading any book of the Bible, but especially the book of Revelation, is in its describing of end time events, it’s as if you were watching the nightly news. Remember when God pulled me over… This is part of His preparing me (and you) for coming events by reminding us of the past.
[2] And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
The child in verse two is the birth of the Messiah. The One who the world loves to talk about in the cradle, But has far less of an understanding of who He is as He died on the cross, rose the third day, ascended to Heaven and will return in the most magnificent of ways as described in the book of Revelation! But here we are in the middle of this story… I wish I had brought you along through my journey of Revelation chapters 1-11. But here I am, like Paul Harvey, telling you the rest of the story.
The Christ child came, was denied by Israel as the Savior which allowed the Gentiles – (that’s us who believe in Him as Lord and Savior) to become the children of God. At this point in the story, God will have already removed the church (the saved children of God) from earth. We will be with Him… if you’re not familiar with the gospel, I may have just lost you. If so, reach out to me and let me explain. But as for this part of prophecy, Satan considers himself the star of this show as “the great red dragon.”
[3] And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. [4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. [5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
From the moment Jesus was born, Satan knew his end was coming and for all it was worth he would try to destroy Christ. The last thing Satan wanted was prophecies to be fulfilled, but funny thing about the prophecies of God, they’re certain, and they will come to pass. Satan convinced Herod to kill all the babies born at the time of Christ’s birth. But God would not allow it. The last thing Satan wanted to see happen was Jesus crucified on the cross, because that was prophesied too in more than these verses, but here are a few:
Zechariah 12:10 KJV
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Psalm 22:18 KJV
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Isaiah 53:4-6 KJV
[4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
So the crucifixion came, but so did His resurrection and now we wait for His promised return. When He removes the church the woman in this story in Revelation is protected by God 1,260 days. The time when literally all Hell breaks loose on earth and men and women will wish to die and not be able.
[6] And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
I hate to leave the story here, but it’s almost midnight, and my old body grows weary. But God laid this part of my study today on my heart and what I hope it does, is stir you to read it for yourself and seek the truth. Tomorrow morning I’ll be in chapter 13. There is no greater story than that which our God has written for us. Lord willin’ I’ll share some more.
