Devotional 21 March 2025

March 21, 2025 • Steve Torres

Revelation 12:11.jpg

"Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 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. 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 12:7-12, ESV)

The cosmic battle depicted in Revelation 12 unveils a remarkable victory that shapes our understanding of spiritual warfare. This heavenly conflict isn’t merely symbolic—it represents the definitive moment when Christ’s sacrifice on the cross dealt the decisive blow to Satan’s authority.

When John writes of Michael fighting the dragon, he points to Christ’s triumph over evil (Colossians 2:15). The imagery is striking: Satan, once an accuser with access to heavenly courts, is cast down and stripped of his position. His weapons of accusation are rendered powerless by the blood of the Lamb.

What does this mean for believers? Scripture tells us we overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Our victory isn’t achieved through our own strength but through Christ’s sacrifice and our unwavering witness to this truth.

Though Satan continues his deceptive work, his time is limited, and his ultimate defeat is certain. As James 4:7 reminds us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This resistance is empowered by the knowledge that Satan is already a defeated foe.

Heaven’s rejoicing offers a glimpse into divine perspective. While earthly circumstances may seem challenging, the heavenly realm celebrates God’s established kingdom and authority (Revelation 12:10). This heavenly joy should fuel our confidence and boldness.

The passage concludes with both warning and hope. Satan’s desperate fury stems from his awareness of his impending doom (1 Peter 5:8). Yet for believers, this intensified opposition only confirms the approaching fullness of God’s kingdom.

In the midst of life’s battles, remember that the war’s outcome has already been determined. Christ’s victory is complete, and through Him, we stand as overcomers.