Resilient – A Revelation Daily Devotional – Day 31
Day 31 – August 27
Read or listen to the audio version of the Bible Reading and Daily Devotional.
Yesterday’s battle explodes into full view in today’s passage, offering us a profoundly concrete hope that stands in stark contrast to any false promises of an easy life. This passage reminds us that our victory comes through suffering and faithful endurance, anchored in the power of Christ’s sacrifice.
The scene opens with a momentous event in heaven: war breaks out! Michael and his angels fight against the Dragon and his angels. This isn’t just a symbolic skirmish; it’s a decisive heavenly battle. And the outcome is clear: the Dragon and his angels are defeated.
Then, a loud voice in heaven proclaims a magnificent victory. It’s declared that the accuser of God’s people, who tirelessly accused them before God day and night, has been thrown down. This is such good news! The one who constantly tries to condemn and demoralize us has been vanquished.
And how did God’s people achieve this victory, alongside their heavenly champions? With the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimonies. This is the heart of our hope in suffering! It’s not about avoiding hardship; it’s about overcoming in hardship. Our victory isn’t found in a pain-free existence or earthly riches. It’s secured by two powerful realities: first, the absolute cleansing and atoning power of Jesus’s sacrifice—the “blood of the Lamb.” This is our foundation, our defense, our ultimate weapon. Second, it’s “by the word of their testimony,” meaning their faithful witness to Jesus, their steadfast declaration of His truth even when it’s costly. And crucially, “they did not love their lives even to death.” They prioritized Christ and His truth above their own comfort, safety, or even survival. This is the radical commitment that empowers believers to triumph.
Because of this victory, heaven rejoices! But there’s a sober warning for the earth: Knowing his ultimate defeat is sealed, and his time is limited, Satan intensifies his fury on earth.
Indeed, when the Dragon realizes he’s been cast down to the earth, he pursues the Woman – God’s people. But the Woman is given “the two wings of the great eagle” to fly to her place in the wilderness, where she is nourished and protected from the serpent for a set period. Again we see God’s supernatural provision and protection for His people during a time of intense persecution.
Unable to directly reach the Woman, the Dragon then spews water like a river after her, attempting to sweep her away. But the earth itself miraculously helps the Woman, opening its mouth and swallowing the flood. Foiled in his direct attack, the Dragon turns his fury elsewhere. His focus shifts to individual believers who are faithful.
This passage absolutely crushes any idea that following Christ guarantees a life free from trouble or filled with material prosperity. Instead, it offers a much more concrete, enduring hope: victory is found in suffering, through faithful testimony, and by the cleansing power of Jesus’s sacrifice. We are called to fight in a spiritual war, knowing that the decisive battle has already been won by Christ. Our assurance isn’t in earthly comfort, but in the Lamb’s blood that cleanses us, the testimony we hold firm, and the willingness to prioritize Christ above all else, even our own lives. This is the true “prosperity” – an eternal, unshakeable victory in Christ, secured no matter what the devil throws our way.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to grasp that my strength and victory come from Your blood and my faithful testimony, not from a life free of struggle. Empower me to not cling to this life, but to live fully for You. Amen.