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"And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron..." (Revelation 12:5).

 The chapter begins, "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." (v. 1-2).

             "Travailing in birth," is a phrase that has been applied to many levels, "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." (Romans 8:22). All creation longs to be delivered from the tyranny of change and decay. We long to birth new eras of peace. We go through the struggle and pain to produce-- a work of art, a piece of literature, start a new business, build a new home, or whatever our dream might be. This is a part of that generalized "travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it." (Ecclesiastes 3:10). In so many ways and workings we go through certain pains and travail to bring forth that which was conceived in our heart and mind.
             But this is a much more specific travail, it portends the birthing of the "overcomers." It is not hard to understand what is meant by the symbol of the "woman,"-- she represents the church, the body of Christ. This is not a reference to any organization of man. The church-- from the Greek "ekklesia" means: called out. Basically this refers to our being called out of this world's system, to become a part of that new creation species of which Jesus Christ is the Head. "By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." (1 Corinthians 12:13). If we are in that body at all, it is by the one and selfsame Spirit. There are many levels of development and growth, but the calling is HIS. As a wheel within a wheel, we find various dimensions of relationship with Christ, from those who know Him only as Jesus, Saviour from their sins; to Christ, the Anointing in their life; to Lord, and His sovereign Lordship of all that touches their life. Yet it can be said of this woman, as was said of Mary long ago, "The holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the son of God." (Luke 1:35).
             A further point of identification is also given, for she is seen "clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars." Once more we turn to the Old Testament for the first usage of these symbols. Sun, moon, and stars, are used in Joseph's dream (Genesis 37:9). When the dream was told to his father, these symbols were understood as referring to Joseph's father, mother, and brethren. This identifies them as symbols pertaining to Israel. Furthermore, the church also finds its beginning roots in Israel-- and was spoken of as being "the church in the wilderness." (Acts 7:38). CALLED OUT of Egypt, to be unto God an holy nation, His peculiar (purchased) people.
             Through the centuries and generations God has continued to CALL OUT a people unto Himself, and then out of this corporate company comes a remnant, the aforementioned "wheel within a wheel," known as the overcomer, or, as the term is given in this chapter, the man-child, i.e. the sons of God.
             This forming of "a body" within the corporate body of Christ, is a sovereign work of God. Man cannot gender this son company, nor take this position unto himself. God places within the heart of individuals a desire for His fullness, the call to "come up higher," and it burns within like a fire, consuming the dross. It strips away self-will, it separates them from their brethren as being different, peculiar, alone unto God. The church in general cannot understand them, they are a burden to her. Often she is ashamed of them, for when everything is running smoothly, suddenly one of these "odd ones" becomes moved on to go deeper into God, and it upsets the whole program as these hungry hearts cry out for more of Him. They express their dis-satisfaction with the present realm, and the church feels condemned, as if she wasn't able to provide enough to meet the need. Why must they always cry out for more?
             While others are enjoying the general fellowship of the meeting, these strange ones seem withdrawn, groaning and seeking for a further dimension of His grace and holiness, travailing for a move of the Spirit that would bring them into more of the reality of His life. While the church stands with upraised hands to praise the Lord for present blessings, these same non-conformists are weeping. Why? Why can't they be more content with what God is doing all around them? So it is "in part," can't they be thankful for what they have? NO! God Himself has placed a call within that cannot be satisfied with anything less than His fullness.
             Oftentimes when local groups and gatherings cannot tolerate them anymore, the Spirit simply draws these "apprehended ones" from the fellowship and religious activity, and they walk alone, separated unto God. They are not backslidden, they have not lost out with God, they are only cut off from their brethren for the time being-- it is a part of the travail, caught in the throes of being birthed into higher dimensions. While certainly the church longs to be delivered of this "unusual body within its being," let it also be said that this child longs just as much, or more, for its own deliverance. No more to be confined to this present realm, restricted by the boundaries placed upon it. Yes, they long to be loosed into the fullness of the Spirit's flow.
             While all this travail is taking place, "There appeared another wonder in heaven; - and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." Full well the dragon, negative forces, knows what will happen if this child is birthed and allowed to live. It is the same fear that motivated the king of Egypt long ago, and caused him to say to the Hebrew midwives, "When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him." (Exodus 1:16). WHY? Because if these sons are allowed to come to maturity, they would be a power that would come against all negativism and spell its doom. But God ruled and over-ruled in Egypt, and Israel multiplied greatly, becoming a great nation, and eventually was birthed out of Egypt.
             Now, John's vision beheld that this man-child also shall come to full term and be delivered, rising up to prevail over all the kingdoms of this world. What the dragon feared will happen!
             "And she brought forth a man child." Man child, literally, a MALE SON. The Greek word used here for "child" is "huios" and means: a son, one who is mature, strong to bear the load. Being newly birthed from the womb, we have the thought of child, but being one who has come to maturity, into divine fullness, we have this one as A MAN of God. "For the Lord hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man." (Jeremiah 31:22). Growing up in the midst of her, coming into the spiritual maturity and stature of a full grown son.
             As soon as this company is birthed, it is "caught up unto God, and to His throne." Caught up-- this is not a sudden geographical displacement, the Greek word is "harpazo" meaning: to snatch away. The same word is used in 2 Corinthians 12:2,4, where Paul speaks of being "caught up into paradise." It signifies that suddenness of coming into a new spiritual dimension, a fuller relationship with God, partaking of His power and authority. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." (Revelation 3:21). The SAME THRONE which belongs to the Father is now shared by the Son. The SAME THRONE which is now the Son's, will be shared by the over- comers. We are not speaking of some gigantic literal throne, with all the overcomers crowded together, perched on that throne. Rather, the throne speaks of power, dominion, authority, and Jesus revealed how this is shared, when He said, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son." (John 5:22). And even the Psalmist foresaw the day when it would be given to the overcomers "to execute upon them (the heathen) the judgments written: (for) this honor have all His saints." (Psalm 149:9).
             "To rule all nations with a rod of iron." This is the same word given to the overcomer. "He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron." (Revelation 2:26-27).
             Note the word "rule," from the Greek "poimaino" meaning: to shepherd, guide, govern. This bespeaks of a ministry of love. It is not the wielding of a rod of iron in a tyrannical manner, but that firm exercise of authority to assure the accomplishment of the purpose, under girded with all the love and care of a shepherd. It is the ministry of Christ through a people who have become one in Him.
             All of these workings of God are not without spiritual warfare, and so we read on "there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." (verses 7-8). What a tremendous victory was forthcoming. "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." (verse 10).
             We note that this "war in heaven" is not spoken of until the man-child has been caught up to the throne, and begins to rule. This is what the dragon feared, and why it would have liked to have devoured the child as soon as it was born. But GOD is ever in control, and now there is a further "revelation of Jesus Christ," as He is revealed in the triumph of HIS OVERCOMERS.
             One of the great victories is this one of defeating the accuser. The Greek word for "accuser" is "katagoros" meaning: one who speaks down or against. The prefix "kata" means: down, or against, and the word "goros" means: a public assembly; literally, to gather in the town-square, the place of judicial action. Thus it speaks of the coming against a person in the assembly, as a complainant at law, a plaintiff charging the offence. Obviously, the pre-requisite is that there has to be a LAW, a standard to be measured to, then any deviation from that law, and one stands accused. There can be no accusation without a standard by which we are measured. "For where no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4:15). To sin, literally means: to miss the mark; but one cannot miss the mark, if there be no mark. There is a holy mark!
             Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matthew 5:17). "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:4).
             For sure the accuser has had his day-- "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). And we did not need another to point the finger at us, when our own conscience bore witness that we have come far short of the mark.
             But herein is our glorious victory, for "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:6-7). Having taken care of our past, our Redeemer then proceeds to bring us through the NEW BIRTH PROCESS, which includes dying out to the old carnal nature, and coming alive in the newness of His life. "That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). The result of the fullness of this new birth is, "The man who is really God's son does not practice sin, for God's nature is in him, for good, and such a heredity is incapable of sin." (1 John 3:9, Phillips).
             Now, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again." (Romans 8:33-34). IT IS ALL OF GOD-- our participation in the likeness of His death, and our rising in the likeness of His resurrection. When the over- comers rise to take their place in His throne, it signifies that this processing is complete-- they are fully born of God, their nature is HIS, their image is HIS, their holiness is HIS. And now there is nought that can accuse them-- they have become ONE in the standard of His righteousness. No place is found any more for the accuser. No charge can be given-- it is over, the victory is won.
             "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
             Far too long has Satan usurped a place in the heavenlies, and it has been a fierce battle as we wrestle, not with human foes alone, "but with the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark world; that is, with the spirit forces of evil challenging us in the heavenly contest." (Ephesians 6:12, Williams). Here is undisputable evidence that the sons of God have entered into the fullness of Christ, they have complete victory over every satanic realm.
              "Overcame him by the blood of the Lamb." Blood is a symbol of life, not death. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." (Leviticus 17:11). And when "The Son of man came to give HIS LIFE a ransom for many," (Matthew 20:28), He shed His blood for us. And to whom was the ransom given? Certainly not to satan, nor to this world's system which would enslave us, nor to any of the negative enemy forces. It is given to those whom He would empower to overcome "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not of the communion (sharing together of the blood of Christ." (1 Corinthians 10:16). In the partaking of His blood, we are fortified and enriched to gain total victory over the adversary. There is a sharing of the new wine, the new BLOOD of His kingdom, which bespeaks of an age-abiding life that prevails.
             We speak of "bad blood" in certain individuals, i.e. evil lurks within them, ready to express itself in negative action. "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12). And naturally speaking, we all have had bad blood. Thus, this "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 15:50). Not until He has fulfilled that word, "I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed." (Joel 3:21). For presently the mystery of iniquity lurks within the bloodstream of man, bringing corruption and death, with a constant battle being waged within the body, as disease invades to destroy.
             The analogy is beautiful. In the study of human blood, we are told that there are five distinct types of white blood cells that combat invading disease, virus, etc. Various white cells are programmed against certain types of disease or bacteria. It is an on-going warfare, new cells forming to take the place of those fallen in combat. There are, however, a select few cells that live on, and they preserve the chemical memory of dangerous invaders, to remind the body how to respond to any invader previously encountered, and create the anti-body to overcome it.
             When a new enemy, disease, invades the body, a lymphocyte cell touches it, memorizes its shape, and rushes to the nearest lymph node to produce an anti-body to overcome the invader. Then it permanently stores the formula so that a subsequent invasion of that same disease will incite a fast motion repeat of the process of producing antibodies, and in a short time overcome that disease. That is the wonder working of our blood. So, whenever a new enemy is introduced, it is a challenge to break the code of that enemy. Most of man's anti- body drugs" which are used, are to gain time for the natural body defenses to come up with their own victory solution. The life is not in the drugs, it is IN THE BLOOD, and the ultimate healing (overcoming) comes from within.
             There is a sense in which a person's blood becomes more valuable and potent as that person prevails in numerous battles with outside invaders, for now it possesses the formula for making the anti-bodies necessary for maintaining health. After the anti-bodies have locked away the secret of defeating each disease; a second infection of the same type normally will do no harm. Thus, in blood transfusions, particularly from one who has conquered that disease, this brings real reinforcement to help.
             Now the application of all this: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself  likewise took part of the same," (Hebrews 2:14), and THE BATTLE WAS ON. He was tested in all points like as we are-- and He conquered it all. "Triumphing over them in it (Greek, IN HIMSELF." (Colossians 2:15). Then He could say, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).
             HIS BLOOD OVERCAME EVERY DISEASE! There was no "bad blood" in Him, He is the sinless One! In His blood are all the formulas for victory. Now He INFUSES us with His life-- we are given, as it were, A BLOOD TRANSFUSION, and now we shall OVERCOME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, for in His blood are all the anti-bodies needed to gain the victory over every disease that comes against us. He prevailed over the lust of the flesh, He prevailed over the lust of the eye, He prevailed over the pride of life-- "I have overcome the world!" Now He shares that victory with us. The Christ within rises up with the answer to every negative invasion, and thus we shall prevail.
             In the Old Testament sacrifices, the blood was poured out for their atonement, their covering-- but the blood of animals could not avail to enable them to overcome, it could only serve as type and shadow for the greater sacrifice to come. But now, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:14). The first order of the blood of goats and calves could never CLEANSE THE INWARD PARTS OF MAN, but the blood of Christ can. Thus we "overcome by the blood of the Lamb."
             Now we can have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." (Hebrews 10:19). Being fully cleansed by His blood, overcoming by His blood, to be pure as He is pure, we can stand before Him without fear or condemnation. The accusations are ended, the victory is ours-- BECAUSE OF HIS BLOOD!
             Never can our "tainted blood" prevail, never can our "tired blood" gain the victory. "Verily, verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh. and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life." (John 6:53-54). This is all connected with OVERCOMING , for HIS LIFE within us cannot be defeated. Bless His holy name!
             "Overcame...and by the word of their testimony." Along with the LIFE-FORCE of His blood, there is the Word. The Greek here is "logos," which is more than just a sound uttered, for it embodies a thought, will, intent, purpose. Obviously Jesus overcame the adversary, stating, "It is written..." but there was more than just the utterance of these words, He spoke the will, intent and purpose of God, and the adversary could not gainsay it. So also in the witness (testimony) of the overcomers, there is a oneness of identification with HIS WILL, HIS PURPOSE.
             Gamaliel said it well, "If this counsel (purpose, will), or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:38-39). That is why truth needs no defense. The Word which God quickens within our hearts will prevail. There is no power that can resist His will. That is why we read, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4).
              The more we bear witness to The Word, having identified ourselves fully with The Word, the more we shall rise up in victory. This makes it imperative that we "let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom." (Colossians 3:16), for "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32).
             By the "word of our testimony," and the witness of our daily living, we speak the word of faith, and the enemy is defeated. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10). It is not a self-willed declaration, it is the utterance of the will, intent, and purpose of God, as He quickens HIS WORD within by the Spirit. It is not the prattling of trite phrases and religious clichés, nor is it just the speaking of the "letter of the Word," quoting scripture verses by rote, but it is the SPIRIT OF TRUTH flowing out as He gives the utterance.
             "And they loved not their lives unto the death." For the word "lives" we have the Greek word "psuche," bespeaking the soulish life, the self life, that which pertains to the will, mind, emotions of man. It is the same word used in Luke 9:24, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it." This, too, is a vital part of overcoming, for it is in the laying down of our own will, our desires, our way, that HIS WILL is then given free reign within us. The more self would defend its own rights, the more it will lose them. The more we lay them down, the greater is our life and victory in Christ. "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). It is a "revelation of Jesus Christ" that is being brought forth, not the exaltation of the ego of man. The inworkings of His cross which cause us to lose our own self-life are but the prelude to His resurrection life coming forth. It is an amazing process.
             Combine the three thoughts: it is the LIFE in His blood, it is the intent and purpose (LIFE) in His Word, and it is in the laying down of our self-life (self-will), that the LIFE in His will might come to full expression in us, this results in our overcoming.
             When the overcomers become fully untouchable, "caught up to the throne," they depose the dragon from his usurped position in the heavenlies, and he is cast down to earth. Then the infuriated dragon turns "to persecute the woman which brought forth the man-child." But God prepares for her safety, deliverance, and keeping, for as soon as the man-child is born, we read that "the woman, fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God." The wilderness always speaks of one thing-- a place of purification, to be tested and proven. And in following through with the beautiful types found in the scripture, after a woman had given birth to a male child, there were forty days set for the time of her purification. (Leviticus 12). A special dealing of God, for a specific time and purpose.
             Do remember, these things are given in a figurative sense, it does not mean that "every Christian" is transported to some desert place, nor hidden in a retreat, but this is a new and different dealing of God, deeper than the church has known before. "The Lord thy God hath led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart." (Deuteronomy 8:2). When this testing and purification are complete, He will " present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." (Ephesians 5:27). How we have longed for, prayed for this to be a reality, and, thank God, He knows just the time and process to bring it to pass.
             In his attempt to persecute and destroy the woman, "The serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away." It bespeaks of a flood tide of false doctrine, traditions, commandments of men, that would so engulf the woman it would destroy her faith. But, "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19). And to reveal how much in control the Lord is over all these happenings, He causes "the earth to help the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood." All natural forces are subject to doing the Lord's bidding, and He truly "works all things together into good." "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." And what often seems to be so carnal, so earthly, betimes is made to serve His purpose. Yes, we stand in awe to behold the handiwork of God!
              Having failed in his attempt to devour the man-child, and failing again in his persecution of the woman, next the dragon turns his attention "to make war with the remainder of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Every realm from the mature over- comer, to the church-body, to the remainder of her seed, i.e. those who believe in Him, but have just started their growth and processing, every realm ultimately faces the dragon, and ultimately overcomes-- because truly, the victory has been won by our Lord Jesus Christ, who "spoiled principalities and powers," (Colossians 2:15), yes, that "He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Hebrews 2:14-15). Thus the victory of Christ shall ultimately reach every man, and the defeat of the dragon shall be total and complete. Praise the Lord!
            The message is positive! His redemption shall reach all men, and while none shall escape the conflict between good and evil, yet in the end "The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." The dragon, Satan, is utterly defeated, and righteousness reigns. The man-child is birthed into His fullness, followed by the woman and her wilderness experience, and after that the succeeding orders, for "In the Christ shall all be made alive, but every man in his own order." What a mighty God we serve!
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  (1)  Prinzing, Ray and Doris . REVELATION A POSITIVE BOOK.   Boise, Idaho, 83705  P.O. Box 5822