Some individual texts from these chapters and my quick thoughts.
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven . . .” (10:1). Just this quick thought that hit me: God don’t send no wimps down to do his work! (Not the best grammar or theological comment but it is the thought that came to mind.)
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ” (11:15). Was there every any doubt?
“. . . and the dragon was defeated . . . that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan” (12:8,9). Why would he, or anyone else, think that he might prevail over the Lord?
On the other hand, concerning our God: He is “Lord God Almighty, who is and who was” (11:17). “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come” (12:10). Yes!
Nevertheless, in spite of all this, “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” (12:17). Can anyone say, this is not going to end well for the serpent? On the other hand, aren’t you glad we sing:
Hail! the last, the mighty Angel,
Cloth’d upon with clouds of heav’n,
Round his head the rainbow beaming,
Peaceful sign of sin forgiv’n.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Lo! he comes! he comes! he comes!
See the heav’ns beneath him bowing!
What the tidings which he brings?
Who’s this glorious One descending?
‘Tis the King, the King of Kings.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Welcome! Welcome! Saviour God! --George Richards (18th century)
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