Apocalypse of the Manger - Revelation 12

Apocalypse of the Manger - Revelation 12

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely given by Matthew Vander Els, delves into a unique perspective on the birth of Jesus (Yeshua) by examining Revelation chapter 12. Instead of the familiar peaceful scene of the nativity found in Luke and Matthew, this passage in Revelation presents an apocalyptic vision of Jesus' birth as a cosmic battle against a great red dragon, identified as Satan. The term "apocalypse" here, derived from the Greek word for revealing, signifies the unveiling of the spiritual realities that were happening behind the scenes when Jesus was born.

The teaching begins by acknowledging the common traditions associated with Christmas and the nativity, such as Mary, Joseph, the manger, shepherds, and angels. However, it points out that the Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew primarily focus on the earthly events surrounding Jesus' arrival. Revelation 12, on the other hand, offers a different lens through which to understand this pivotal moment in history. It portrays a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head, who gives birth to a male child destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron.

The great fiery red dragon with seven heads stands ready to devour the child as soon as it is born. This dragon is identified in Revelation 12:9 as the ancient serpent, the devil, or Satan, the personification of evil. The dragon's intention to destroy the child king echoes Satan's ongoing efforts throughout history to prevent the coming of the Messiah, from Cain and Abel to Pharaoh's killing of Hebrew baby boys and Herod's massacre of infants in Bethlehem. However, the child is "caught up unto God and to his throne," signifying Jesus' ascension to heaven after his earthly ministry.

The woman in Revelation 12 is presented as a multifaceted symbol. While clearly linked to Mary, the mother of Jesus, she also represents all of Israel, who experienced "birth pangs" while waiting for the Messiah. The twelve stars on her head are seen as an echo of the twelve tribes of Israel, similar to Joseph's dream in the Old Testament. The imagery of a woman in labor is also found in Old Testament passages like Isaiah 26:17-18 and Micah 4:10 and 5:2-3, which describe Israel's anticipation of the Messiah's coming.

The birth of Jesus is thus portrayed not just as a peaceful arrival but as the inauguration of the defeat of Satan. The ascension of the child king to God's throne sparks a war in heaven where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon and his angels, resulting in Satan's defeat and being cast down to earth. This event in heaven is connected to the throne room scene in Revelation 5, where the slain lamb (Jesus) is seen as having conquered Satan.

The teaching emphasizes that this "apocalyptic manger" reveals the true spiritual conflict that underlay the earthly event of Jesus' birth. It was a moment of profound victory in the heavenly realm, even as it appeared humble and unassuming on earth. The speaker draws attention to Leonardo da Vinci's painting "Adoration of the Magi" as an artistic representation of this somber yet significant event, where the worshipers appear to anticipate the struggle and sacrifice associated with the birth of the King. The gift of myrrh, used for anointing the dead, that baby Jesus reaches for in the painting further underscores the understanding of the sacrifice to come.

The victory over the dragon is achieved "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of his testimony". This highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the power of believers' witness in overcoming evil. The teaching concludes by calling believers to embrace a "cruciform life," following Jesus' example of self-sacrificial love and unwavering allegiance to God, even in the face of adversity. By not loving our lives even unto death, believers can stand in victory against the dragon's schemes.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize the ongoing spiritual battle: Understand that our lives are not lived in a vacuum but within a spiritual reality where good and evil are in constant conflict, stemming from the initial conflict in Eden.
• Find strength in Jesus' victory: Remember that Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection have already defeated Satan, and we share in this victory through faith in him.
• Testify to the truth: Speak about your faith and the victory of Jesus, as your testimony is a weapon against the forces of evil.
• Embrace sacrifice and service: Follow Mary's example of humble obedience and willingness to serve God's purposes, even when it comes with personal cost.
• Live a life of forgiveness and love: Emulate Jesus' example of forgiveness and love, even towards those who have hurt you, disrupting the cycle of bitterness and retaliation.
• Prioritize allegiance to God over worldly powers: Resist the temptation to give ultimate loyalty to political or worldly systems, recognizing that true allegiance belongs to God.
• Persevere through trials: Understand that following Jesus may involve hardship and suffering, but God's presence and ultimate victory are assured.
• Practice grace and mercy: Extend grace and mercy to others, viewing them through the lens of Jesus' love and sacrifice.

References

Bible Verses

• Genesis 3:15
• Psalm 2
• Luke 2:13
• Luke 2:14
• Luke 1:26
• Luke 1:46
• Luke 1:56
• Revelation 12:1
• Revelation 12:2
• Revelation 12:3
• Revelation 12:4
• Revelation 12:5
• Revelation 12:9
• Revelation 12:17

Books and Resources Mentioned

• CSB Bible

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