Pastor Matt and Pastor Chris discuss what temperature they'd prefer an unchanging climate to be, and the things left unsaid about Revelation 12 from Sunday's message.***SHOW NOTES***Sunday Leftover Notes 3/3/2512:1-2In this symbolism we must discern Israel, the chosen people of God. ‘She comes standing upon the Old Testament revelation of reflected light and clothed with the New Testament revelation which is as the sun shining in his strength’ (Torrance). The twelve stars will be the twelve patriarchs or the tribes which descended from them. The symbolism is that of Joseph’s dream (Gen. 37:9; cf. also Test. Naph. 5:3–4). In view of this Old Testament symbolism it is unnecessary to see a reference to pagan mythology. (Tyndale Commentary)As God covers Himself “in light as with a garment (Ps 104:2), so the woman is clothed with the sun. The world may despise the true Israel (the church) and hold it in lowest esteem, but from God’s point of view she is a radiant bride (Jer 2:2). (Mounce pg. 232)12:3-4The seven heads of the dragon depict the universality of his power. The ten hors recall the fourth best of Daniel 7, awesome and powerful with its great iron teeth and ten horns (Dan 7:7, 24)…Crowns.. They are Satan’s presumptuous claim of royal power over against the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” upon whose head are many diadems (19:12, 16)(Mounce 233)12:7-12Satan’s defeat in heaven does not mean an end to physical suffering on earth. The saints here continue to overcome the devil as they overcome the world—by faithfully testifying of Christ’s victory even to the point of death…As Pharaoh pursed Israel into the desert, Satan pursues God’s people…It is clear that regardless of the woman’s (the church/Israel) corporate survival, individual believers can still suffer death from the serpent’s mouth…The price they must be prepared to pay for this testimony is death (Rev 12:11)(Keener pg. 320-325)It is the irretrievable loss of any further opportunity to fulfill his wicked plan that sends Satan out in such a great anger against the church…He (Satan) put it into the heart of Judas to betray Christ (Jn 13:2), and was out to undermine the faith of Peter (Lk 22:31). His false prophets would “deceive the elect—if it that were possible” (Matt 24:24; Rev 13:11-15).It should be no surprise that as the end draws near, the hostility will increase in intensity. (Mounce pg. 236-238)12:13-17Exodus typology is woven throughout this entire episode…The two wings of the great eagle that made possible her escape echo the words of God from Sinai, “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself” (Ex 19:4). The river of water that flows from the dragon’s mouth may reflect Pharaoh’s charge to drown the male children of the Israelites in the Nile (Ex 1:22). The opening of the earth is reminiscent of the destruction of the men of Korah when in the wilderness they were swallowed by the earth and went don alive into Sheol (Num 16:31-33)(Mounce pg. 240)Retreat or Engagement?The desert theme is important. Some survivalist groups in the U.S. have withdrawn into the wilderness in order to survive the coming troubles. Such behavior may prolong life in the event of a nuclear or perhaps biochemical holocaust, but it misses the point of Revelation. The rest of this book teaches that our goal as Christians is not to escape suffering or death but to announce Jesus to the world. We must not withdraw from sinners. (though we must withdraw spiritually from the world’s corruption), but invade the world with the message and example of God’s redeeming love. (Keener pg. 331)

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