Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

In today’s reading of Revelation 12, we see more of that spiritual warfare with what John described as “a great sign in Heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”

Most commentators agree that the woman represents the church, the bride of Christ. The sun is Jesus, the crown of twelve stars is the twelve apostles, and the moon is the Jewish people. Of course, the dragon is satan, who has tried from the very beginning of human history, to destroy humanity in general and the church in particular.

This warfare will continue until satan is thrown into the pit. One thing we know is that his defeat is as sure as sure can be. The war has already been won. The battles continue only because of God’s great love as He waits for the fullness of time and the final soul to be added to roll of believers.

Until then, we proclaim the Gospel, the Good News of a Risen Savior. This is what is meant in chapter 12, verse 11, which says, “They (meaning the believers) overcame him (meaning satan) because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death.”

Yes, there will be martyrs. But as we have already seen, God will dry their tears. The important thing, beloved, is to remain faithful. Whatever we go through here on Earth is temporary and fleeting. Isn’t an eternity with God something glorious to look forward to?

What do you think?