We are caught up in a wider conflict than what we
see! This conflict is in the heavenly realm and involves angelic beings. Our struggles are part of this great conflict between good and evil.
v.
7 – War in Heaven – Michael, the archangel vs. the dragon and his army.
Warfare in heaven itself – not observed from down here. The dragon
and his angels fight for their place in heaven – territory- (Nations –
earth; Satan’s turf). A battle in the end-times before Jesus returns and
final judgment takes place. Jihad – holy war – v. 5 Jesus rules
– they fight back – not in actual time. Is. 14:12 – Satan had
fallen with his angels in Hebrew thought – due to pride and arrogance. 1
Tim. 3:6 – The concept is carried into the N.T. Yet Satan seems to
still have access to God in Heaven (Job 1:6-9; Zech. 3:;1). Michael, not Messiah,
wages war against Satan and his demons – (see. Dan. 12:1). He is to deliver
Israel from tribulation. Satan and Michael of equal status originally –
both arch-angels with angels beneath them.
v.
8 – Satan loses the Holy War – and loses his place in Heaven – He is done! He once had a place.
v.
9 – The dragon, Satan, and his angels are thrown down out of heaven to earth!
(Lk. 10:18) – Jesus stated this while alive – prophecy – ahead of time. “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven.”
The dragon is here identified as the devil or Satan – originally – satan=adversary (a term not a proper name) now Satan is the Adversary. 1 Kgs. 1:14&23 – Adversary
meant more in human terms. God raised up an adversary against Solomon. 1 Sam. 29:4 – Philistines considered David their adversary.
Num. 22:22 – Angel=adversary – to oppose Balaam. Devil
= slanderer – the deceiver of the world. He had access to accuse the people
of God – in the heavenly court.
Rev. 20 – He will be let loose to deceive again
after the 1000 year reign
John 13:2 – caused Judas to betray Christ
Luke 22:31 – undermined the faith of Peter
2 Cor. 2:11 – Paul warns of his evil devices
2 Cor. 11:3 – he deceived Eve – also
1 Tim. 2:14
Matt 24:24 – he would deceive the elect if
that were possible (Rev. 13:11-15)
1st Century – “Dilator”
– paid informer – one who accused people before the authorities for money.
He deceives - - - and “he leads the whole world
astray.” John repeats – Satan was cast out – to the earth along
with his angels.
v.
10 – Here again John “hears” another loud voice in heaven – it is unidentified, a group rather
than an individual. Three times the word “our” is used. Angels? Probably. The devil – thrown down – was
on a last mission to cause as much damage as he could, and he knows that his time is relatively short. His last valiant attempt is the great and horrible tribulation. *
The loud voice answers this attack.
“Now the salvation and the power and
the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ have come.” (ESV) Power
= Gr. Exousia = authority – there’s a connection between Father and Son, between God and his Christ. Satan has been very busy – accusing day and night – tireless/endless till now – BUT –
he has been defeated – overthrown – cast down. The believers get
to experience the victory previously won by Jesus – in His death and resurrection.
v.
11 – Here is how the victory is afforded …
by the Blood of the Lamb – Jesus paid it all
in full. Satan is defeated by Michael and his angels… And … he is
defeated by those he accused as well – all because of Christ and His Victory.
The reward and freedom of this victory in Christ
caused believers to proclaim this message to others – in spite of ridicule or persecution. Their testimony to bring the message to others and the blood of the Lamb that cleanses from sin and brings spiritual
victory to humanity, causes the Kingdom of God to continue to grow - more victory. The blood of Christ forgives sins
and overcomes fear – even fear of death. Think of the martyrs here –
they did not fear death – victorious – free of fear. Same level of
devotion is required of all believers (Lk. 14:26; Jn. 12:25).
v. 12 – The casting down of
Satan brings rejoicing in Heaven – BUT – it causes woe on the earth and the sea.
However, their citizenship is in heaven – so there’s reason to rejoice, although while on the earth –
they must face severe tribulation. Satan is doing as much harm as he can while
on earth. It will come to an end and he knows it.
His time is short (relatively). The persecution will not last –
Satan is already defeated.
