Canonical Reading Plan for Dec 28, Rev 9-12

Today's readings are Rev 9-12.

In Rev 9, the angels, having blown the trumpets, are the heralds of the living God, pronouncing His judgment on the world. Notice that, as the woes are released, they are subject to God’s authority who limits them as to what they may do. Meanwhile, God’s children are protected from them (Rev 9:4).

The first four trumpets affect a part of the world but not all. Judgment is being poured out. Justice is being served. But, there is still time for those who remain to repent and be saved.

God is in sovereign control of all this is occurring. He is orchestrating the event at the end of history with the same precision and power that He has been exercising throughout the Bible from the beginning of Genesis (Rev 10:7-11).  

We see God’s accuracy and precision in the measurements prescribed in Rev 11:1-3 which shows us that God is omniscient down to the slightest detail. His omnipotence is on display in Rev 11:4-14).

Rev 12 depicts war in the heavenlies between "the woman" and "the dragon," both of which are symbolic. The woman is a sign of God's goodness and sovereign authority and the dragon a symbol of pure evil. The dragon loses and is ejected from heaven. These signs, whatever earthly counterparts they may or may not represent, are also representative of all spiritual warfare. The battle may be fierce but will be dominated and controlled by the power and presence of God.

Notice that God preserves and protects His people throughout (Rev 12:6, 14). Also, notice that the woman's baby, who is Christ, soundly defeats the dragon once He is seated on the throne. This is a depiction of Christ's ascension into heaven shortly after the resurrection, where He was "seated at the right hand of God." (Eph 1:20). This is not to say that all spiritual battle ceased at that point. But, it certainly guarantees that the outcome has been predetermined.