“And the Woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God. . .”
Revelation 12:6a
Although we may not understand all the ins-and-outs of end-time events, the “signs of the times,” etc., we need never fear when we remember this wondrous Truth.
He also has a “place prepared” for His People.
John’s Revelation is assuredly one of the most difficult books to understand in the Bible. Ever since he captured the words of his vision on parchment paper on the isle of Patmos, his readers have debated the meaning of his message.
Which parts are historical and which are futuristic? How much is literal and how much is symbolic? Is his reference to Babylon referring to Rome or the ancient city in modern-day Iraq where Nimrod built the infamous Tower of Babel?
Needless to say, trying to figure it all out will so often leaving you scratching your head. And, if we’re not careful, we’ll end up getting into foolish debates that engender heat more than light, depending upon whose eschatological view we endorse.
But, dear Pilgrim, beware of such—for the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” still exists today. And, its primary fruits are still “Pride” and “Division.”
There’s no doubt in today’s Manna that the “woman” being referred to is the Church. And, even though we may not understand what it means for her to be “clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet” (v.1a). . .and if the “crown of 12 stars” refers to the 12 tribes of Israel or the 12 Apostles. . .it’s clear her “being with child, travailing in birth and pained to be delivered” (v.2) refers to Jesus, the Christ-child, Who was born of woman and prophesied of old by the prophets.
Although the word “church” is not used in the Old Testament, Stephen understood that the true People of God in the Old Testament were “the Church in the wilderness” (Acts 7:38) and a forerunner of the visible New Testament Church which was born at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47). And, just as the Lord God sustained the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, so will He sustain the Church during the Last Days when there’s a “barrenness of belief.”
Because of the “Man-Child, Who will one day rule all nations with a rod of iron and was caught up unto God and His Throne” (v.5), we need not fear as we see the End Time events unfolding around us. Instead, we should remember that “Salvation, strength, the Kingdom of our God and the Power of His Christ” (v.10a) and one of these days “the accuser of the brethren—the devil/satan—will be cast down once and for all” (vv.9-10b). Hallelujah!!
Until then, weary one, do not lose hope.
Instead, “keep your eyes focused upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith” (Heb. 12:2a), knowing the devil—whose “wrath is great” (v.12b) and “goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8)—knows “he has but a short time” (v.12c). So, look up and cheer up, Pilgrim. Your Redemption draweth nigh! And, even now the Lord God has “prepared you a place in the wilderness and a table in the presence of your enemies.” Glory!!!
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated November 6, 2010
