A Cosmic View of History

Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 12:1-6.

After the seventh trumpet sounds, John sees a great sign in heaven that pictures all of history in a grand cosmic battle between the one true God and the devil. The woman with child is clothed by the Lord; she represents the promise of the Savior that was first given to Eve, was carried by the faithful people of God, and finally was born of the Virgin Mary. The dragon is the devil, whose aim is to destroy this Promised Offspring. Throughout the Old Testament, the dragon unsuccessfully attacked the line of the Seed. At the birth of Jesus and throughout His ministry, the devil continued his attacks, but the Father glorified the Son and made His mission of salvation successful. The Church now is sustained by God in the wilderness of this life even as the devil continues his wily attacks.

“Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted, and assured of final victory through Jesus Christ.