Revelation 12
Peace. Everyone longs for it. Nations yearn for peace among themselves. Individuals crave inner calm amid life’s chaos. Yet, despite our best efforts, true peace seems elusive. Why is that? Why does a world so desperate for peace find itself consumed by conflict, division, and unrest?
The Bible provides the answer: we are caught in a cosmic war. Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain, revealing a battle that has raged since the dawn of time—a battle for our peace. This chapter offers profound insights into the spiritual forces behind earthly turmoil and points us to the only source of lasting peace: Jesus Christ.
The Battle Behind the Curtain
Revelation 12 begins with a dramatic vision of a woman clothed with the sun, laboring to give birth, while a great red dragon waits to devour her child. The woman represents God’s people—first Israel, through whom the Messiah was born, and then the Church, carrying His mission forward. The dragon, Satan, embodies evil’s relentless opposition to God’s purposes.
From the very beginning, Satan has sought to destroy the child promised in Genesis 3:15—the One who would crush his head. Through countless attempts, from Cain and Abel to Pharaoh’s decree to slaughter Hebrew boys, Satan sought to thwart God’s plan of salvation. But time and time again, God’s promises prevailed.
The Birth of Peace
Revelation 12:5 declares the fulfillment of God’s promise:
“She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to His throne.”
This male child is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, born to establish God’s kingdom on earth. His life, death, and resurrection triumphed over sin and Satan, securing peace for all who trust in Him.
Satan’s defeat was sealed at the cross, but his fury continues. Revelation 12:12 warns:
“Woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”
As we live in the tension between Christ’s first coming and His return, Satan wages war against God’s people, seeking to disrupt our experience of peace through accusation, temptation, and discouragement.
Victory Through the Blood of the Lamb
Yet, Revelation 12:11 assures us that Satan’s schemes cannot ultimately prevail:
“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.”
Our victory rests in the finished work of Christ. His blood has cleansed us from sin and broken the power of Satan’s accusations. As we cling to the word of our testimony—the truth of the Gospel—we are equipped to stand firm.
Peace in the Midst of the Battle
In this present age, peace does not mean the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ. He promised in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
This Advent season, as we reflect on Christ’s first coming, we also anticipate His return. Satan may rage, but his time is limited. The Prince of Peace has already secured the victory, and one day, He will return to wipe every tear and establish perfect, eternal peace.
Until then, we are called to:
- Stand firm in the truth of the Gospel.
- Resist the enemy’s attempts to accuse and discourage.
- Proclaim the peace we have in Christ to a world in desperate need.
The Hope of Advent Peace
Though the world may be in turmoil, we can live with unshakable peace because we know how the story ends. Jesus has overcome the world, and His victory is our victory.
As you light the candle of peace this Advent, may you be reminded of the One who has crushed the head of the serpent, silenced the accuser, and brought peace to our hearts and minds. Let His peace rule in your life today, as we wait with hope for His glorious return.