Sermon Cloud

Intro:  Greeting cards paint a sedate, quaint picture of the Nativity.  Here’s an alternate version.

Big Idea: Enthroned, Jesus provides for His people in the ‘wilderness’.

Context: Revelation is the “revelation of Jesus”: series of visions to reveal Jesus as glorified and triumphant to Christians struggling with sin & Satan.  This is the 4^th in the series.  Each is signaled by either something opening or someone saying “Come”.  Ill. A multiplex cinema.

Your method of interpretation can influence how you view the cast & plot.  Summarize 4 views.

I. The Cast of Characters- most of the different interpretations of Revelation agree on this.

-         “The Woman” is a sign, not a literal person.  She is not Mary.  Who does she represent?

-         The sun, moon & stars remind us of Joseph’s dream (Gen. 37:9).

-         She represents the People of God.  The Bible teaches the unity of God’s people.

-         Gentiles are added to the assembly (ekklesia).  Not a replacement or substitution.

-         “The Dragon” is a sign for Satan (vs. 9).  Greek literature: guarded Fleece, hydra.

-         He is huge, and has 7 heads with crowns (Ghidra).  His authority covers the earth. 

-         His 10 horns reveal that his power is great.  He is a horrible, powerful enemy of God.

-         The Child is the long-awaited Messiah that God had promised (Psalm 2).

-         He rules over all the nations w/an iron scepter to smash rebellious nations.

Transition: These are the 3 main characters in this divine drama.  Now let’s see what happens.

II. The Plot- God is providing a glimpse into the spiritual realities behind history.

-         The dragon wants to destroy the seed of the woman.  Think Genesis 3.

-         The Dragon often persecuted the Woman to prevent the Child from ever being born.

-         Satan was the power behind Egypt, the Canaanites, Assyrians, Babylonians, & Romans.

-         As the Woman writhes in birth pains, the Dragon is ready to pounce. 

-         Ill. Giving birth w/out an epidural, and hideous doctor ready to do a PBA.  Horror show!

-         Satan threatened Jesus throughout His earthly life and ministry.

-         Satan was the power behind Herod, the Sanhedren and Judas.

-         God rescues the Child and seats Him a throne (snatched).  Jesus is safe!  Jesus now rules!

-         More, God provides a place of refuge in the wilderness for Her (3 ½ years, 42 months).

-         Historicists: refers to the Roman Catholic captivity of the Church.

-         Preterists: refers the Christians fleeing Jerusalem in AD 67 (Jewish War).

-         Futurists: this is a leap directly to the last half of the Tribulation.  Ill. Scene skip

-         I believe this refers to the whole of the Church Age (Numbers 33).

Transition: It is a scary movie with a good ending.  But what relevance did it have then & now?

III. The Message

-         Jesus is enthroned in heaven now.  Jesus was not defeated & isn’t threatened.

-         The Dragon can no longer reach Him to destroy Him.  Jesus’ mission was successful!

-         Secure on the throne, our salvation is secure too.

-         As a wilderness people, we have no permanent home in this age (1 Peter & Hebrews).

-         We are not to be at home in any nation.  They are all influenced by the Dragon.

-         Jesus provides for us while we are in the wilderness.  Ill. Manna, Elijah.

-         Seek spiritual resources while you sojourn here.  Read!  Meditate!  Pray!

Conclusion: This is no greeting card kind of Christmas.  We were just treated to Episode I of a cosmic drama.  Jesus has come as promised.  He reigns in heaven as promised.  From there He supplies the needs of His people as they live in a spiritual wilderness surrounded by enemies.  Where are YOU in this drama?  Are you among those He supplies or those He smashes with His scepter?