Verse 11 – Satan lost on earth, too.
11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11–ESV)
Satan was cast out of heaven and down to earth. This was a great demotion for him, but his defeat in the heavens was predicated by his defeat on the earth. The blood of the Lamb, the seal opener of chapter 5, was the victory. There is power in the blood of Christ.
The brothers who were now no longer accused in heaven were victorious on the earth. While Satan heretofore had been able to trip up and harm and hurt the people of the earth once they were covered by the blood of Christ that era was done.
These did not only conquer him in their own lives, but also in the lives of others. The testimony they gave of freedom from the power of sin and evildoing was Satan’s undoing in the lives of others. Satan testified against people because of their sins. People testified against Satan because of Christ’s blood. Their words, their allegiance and in some cases their martyrdom spoke volumes to the living and many would accept the gift of Christ and be saved.
In both of these circumstances deeds were told, but the opposite results developed. Satan accused with a goal to condemnation, but Christians praised with the goal of redemption. Satan had been a thorn in the side of the elders in heaven polluting the atmosphere with his accusations. The Christian brothers were a thorn in Satan’s side telling others of the freedom to be had in Jesus Christ.
Verse 12 – Heaven gains and independent humans lose
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” (Revelation 12:12–ESV)
There is great reason to rejoice in the salvation which is ours. The dispatch of Satan and his toxic tendencies lightens that world. The very same sign, though, brings a bleakness to the earth. There are some, even among men, who lead ruthlessly. Those under them are part of a big movement, but they are mastered and managed by a big evil.
Satan is no lover of man, that is God’s way. Satan is a destroyer of the earth and the beauty which God has built, made. The prime target is humanity, but the earth and its beauty, also, is a thing hated.
The rest of the chapter
13 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. (Revelation 12:13-17–ESV)
The woman was protected by God and the earth. Great efforts were expended to contain her, but they all failed. While God is in heaven his dominion extends to the earth. He is aware of all things there and arranges them. Satan will try to thwart and he will cause great tribulation and trouble, but God is not flanked by Satan…ever. Satan may have great wrath and great power. He may for a time cause the offspring of the church, the woman, to be brought into great troubles, but this is a short term phenomenon. He will not roam free forever.
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