Temper Tantrum

vv.7-8:

This is subsequent to the original fall of Satan, which was referenced in the previous section of Scripture.

A state of war has persisted ever since Satan first rebelled against God.

However, during the tribulation, that war will intensify.

The time of this war in heaven is not specifically stated, but the context refers to the end time.

v.9:

Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven at the time of their original rebellion, but today, they still have access to it.

Today, satan still has access to heaven.

Job 1:6

Job 1:6 NKJV

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

During this final heavenly battle, that access will be denied, and they will be forever barred from heaven.

As he has throughout human history, Satan will deceive people during the tribulation.

Revelation 13:14

Revelation 13:14 NKJV

And he deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

John 8:44

John 8:44 NKJV

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

v.10:

There is rejoicing in heaven, because Satan will soon be defeated for good.

The accuser will finally be brought to justice.

v.11:

Though, his accusations will not be able to stand against believers whose sins have been forgiven, that doesn’t mean he won’t try.

No accusation can stand against those whose sins have been forgiven.

Romans 8:33–34

Romans 8:33–34 NKJV

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

v.12:

Satan will be defeated, but he does not accept defeat without a bitter struggle.

His final death throes are directed exclusively toward "the earth and the sea."

He will ramp up his efforts in one last futile attempt to make the most of an opportunity that he knows will be brief.

Even today he fights against God's church, and we should never let our guard down

Satan continues to fight against God’s church today.

1 Peter 5:8

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We must be careful, we can’t stand toe to toe with him. Even Michael didn't dare take him on by himself, so what's the solution?

We must resist the devil and draw near to God.

James 4:7-8

James 4:7–8 NKJV

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

With the victorious King of Kings, Jesus Christ as our advocate, Satan is already defeated.

We simply need to resist the devil and draw near to God.

V.13:

Satan at this time of the tribulation, will be full force against Israel.

He will longer able to attack the male child (Jesus) who is in heaven.

So now the devil pursues the woman (Israel), who flees into the desert.

This conflict actually brings us all the way back to the Garden of Eden.

The conflict with satan goes back to the garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:15

Genesis 3:15 NKJV

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

V.14:

The reference to eagle's wings introduces imagery from the Old Testament.

God has and will protect and provide for Israel.

Isaiah 40:31

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

God will personally protect and provide for Israel, she has nothing to fear.

Israel will not only be physically protected, she will be nourished.

Just as Israel spent 40 years in the desert, they were nourished and protected by God.

Exodus 16:35

Exodus 16:35 NKJV

And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

In the same way, we can rest assured that God will provide for all of our needs.

V.15:

It is a matter of some debate as to whether this is a literal flood, or a flood of armies attacking Israel.

Regardless, Satan is trying to overwhelm and destroy Isreal through some type of calamity.

v.16:

Like always, regardless of satan’s tactics, God will protect His people.

We know from Job that satan can manipulate the power of nature.

Job 1:16-19

Job 1:16–19 NKJV

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

God will protect Isreal from armies.

Exodus 14:27-28

Exodus 14:27–28 NKJV

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained.

And in this case, Satan’s flood waters (whatever they are) will not be able to stop Israel.

Satan’s “flood waters” won’t stop Israel.

Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Israel will be delivered by God's power.

v.17:

“The rest of her offspring”

Satan will turn his rage against every follower Christ he can find—Jew or Gentile.

Likewise, we are in a spiritual battle today.

John says that the war is still being waged, but the outcome has already been determined.

Satan and his followers have been defeated and will be destroyed.

Nevertheless Satan is battling daily to bring more into his ranks and to keep his own from defecting to God’s side.

Those who belong to Christ have gone into battle on God’s side, and he has guaranteed them victory.

Don’t waver in your commitment to Christ. A great spiritual battle is being fought, and there is no time for indecision.

God’s protection begins with your salvation.

Romans 10:9-13

Romans 10:9–13 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”