The Second War on Earth

Rev. 12:13-17

June 29, 2025

Evening Worship

Rev. 12:13-17

Introduction:  Warfare has been interwoven throughout chapter 12 looking towards the future.  Without a doubt God’s people by this time in the Tribulation Period have become familiar with war.  There was a war on earth in the early part of chapter 12 in which the Devil himself was targeting God’s plan for destruction.  Then the war in heaven ends with the devil being cast out of heaven to the earth.  He knows he only has a short time and is now ready to make war on the earth for his last time.

Jesus told us there will be wars “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end isnot yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.”  Matthew 24:6-8

As we live in 2025, we are watching so much of the Middle East battling, the signs are pointing to prophetic fulfillment. Only God can tell us the fulfillment of prophecy, but here is Satan’s last effort.  God shows us his time will be over very soon.  This second war on earth ends chapter 12.

III.  The second earthly war vv. 13-17

A. The persecution v. 13

1.  The dragon was cast to the earth and since his time is short he must vent all of his anger towards the earth. Short means the events will come rapidly.

2. We know the devil hates God because he wants to be God. He hates the people of God as well. Isaiah 14:12-15

3. Satan also hates the Jews because they are God’s people, receivers of the Scripture

“What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.”   Rom. 3:1-2.

4.  Also through Israel came the salvation to the world-offers a relationship with Jesus Christ- this is something too little emphasized-Psalm 37:4 and Psalm 73:25 “Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

5. We need to delight more on God and less on the things of this world.

6. There is a very antisemitic move at this point to destroy the nation-there is a Jewish remnant ready to receive Him and for a nucleus for the kingdom Zech 12:9-14

7. Strangely enough there is antisemitic propaganda growing in this country through colleges, universities, and media outlets.

When you travel into Israel, they don’t stamp your passport but give you paper receipt. This is so you won’t be harassed by other countries.

B. The protection v. 14a

1.  They will escape with great speed from the persecution-God gives them two wings as an eagle to escape-

“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.”  Exodus 19:4

2.  They are not escaped of their own effort, but God will aid them by taking them to a special place.

3. This wilderness may be in the wilderness of OT wanderings or Petra is a place where Israel can safely hide.

Petra is famous historical and archaeological city located in Jordan, known for its rock cut architecture and water conduit systems.  (picture). Called the Rose city because of its color.

C. The provision vv. 14b-16

1.  This will happen in the last half of the Tribulation Period.

2. Here the nation will be sheltered and cared for by God.

3. The time period of their suffering is 3 ½ years

“God cares for those whom He wants to use to accomplish His purposes on earth.” (Wiersbe, p.604).

4.  Satan will begin an outpouring of hatred on Israel-it may be military invasion-waters symbolize massive armies overrunning the nation.

5. God will use some type of natural means to stop the attack on Israel v. 16.

D. The passion v. 17

1.  The dragon now turns on those who did not escape to the wilderness.

2. These are probably the 144 K Jewish evangelist found in chapter 7 who have a clear testimony.

a.  Keep the commands of God.

b. Bear the testimony of Christ

Conclusion:  As we see the war on earth heating up here in this chapter, we need to be personally ready for the future.  This should urge us on to reach those who do not know Christ.