The seventh angel has blown the seventh trumpet, but to quote Yogi Berra, "It ain't over til it's over." We are just past the halfway point in John's apocalyptic vision.
Now, a woman approaches in the sky, who is in labor, giving birth to a royal child. She is being chased by a seven-headed dragon with ten horns. The dragon causes great destruction, and chases the woman and her child, but he does not catch them. The dragon then attacks heaven and is defeated by Michael the archangel and thrown back down to earth.
This chapter is especially thick with symbolic references, to Biblical themes as well as Egyptian and pagan mythology, but again, it is not necessary to "decode" every last detail and find a direct referent in the current or ancient world. Put as simply as possible, the woman appears to stand for the people of Israel, which for John includes the people of the church. The dragon represents evil: Satan himself. Though the dragon rages, he will not win. Heaven is stronger, and God will protect the faithful.
In a culture that still falls prey to worshiping money, power and military might, one particular verse in this chapter redefines "conquest".
"the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before God. But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death."
This is the one and only "battle plan" that will ever come to God's people, even in the direst of circumstances. No cosmic battle, not even with a red seven-headed dragon, will give you any new "marching orders." The plan will not change. The Sermon on the Mount is still in effect. Your testimony to Jesus is the only weapon you need.
My poetic interpretation of REVELATION 12
12. In heav’n appears a woman clothed with sun,
A crown of stars, the moon beneath her feet,
Chased by a ten-horned dragon, ancient one,
Who casts down stars, and waits, her child to eat.
The angel Michael casts the serpent down;
On earth he knows the shortness of his days
Accusing peaceful ones, who take his crown,
Who, facing death, remain the Lamb’s always.
Rejoice, you heavens! Woe to earth and sea!
The dragon in his fury now pursues
In wilderness the woman safe shall be:
The earth defends, in brilliant greens and blues.
The greater pain brings near eternity;
The faithful and the patient shall be free.
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