How can we prepare for the "great wrath" mentioned in Revelation 12:12? The Setting of the Great Wrath “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12) John pulls back the curtain on an unseen, yet literal conflict. Satan’s fury will spill over the earth in the closing moments of this age. Preparation is not optional—it is commanded. Why the Devil’s Wrath Intensifies • He has been cast down and can no longer accuse in heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). • He “knows that his time is short,” so his attacks grow desperate. • His target is “the saints” (Revelation 13:7) and “the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17). Stand in Christ’s Finished Victory • “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). • At the cross, Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them” (Colossians 2:15). • “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Suit Up: The Full Armor of God “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you can stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:13-18). • Belt of Truth — a settled conviction that God’s Word is reality. • Breastplate of Righteousness — daily walk that reflects our justified standing. • Gospel Shoes — readiness and mobility to spread peace in any setting. • Shield of Faith — active trust that quenches Satan’s flaming lies. • Helmet of Salvation — assurance that guards our thought life. • Sword of the Spirit — precise application of Scripture to each assault. • Prayer — continual, Spirit-led intercession “for all the saints.” Stay Anchored in the Word • “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • The Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). • Saturate your mind with prophetic passages such as Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4-5, and 2 Thessalonians 2 to recognize the season and stay steady. Keep the Lines of Prayer Open • “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) • Jesus’ warning in Gethsemane still stands: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) Remain in Fellowship • “Let us consider how to spur one another on… not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Isolation weakens; corporate worship, accountability, and shared burdens strengthen. Walk in Holiness and Separation • “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) • Love for the world system dulls discernment (1 John 2:15-17). • Cleansed vessels are fit for the Master’s service (2 Timothy 2:21). Testify and Overcome • Keep declaring what Christ has done for you—your personal, specific story. • Your spoken testimony silences the accuser (Revelation 12:10-11). • Let gratitude replace fear; worship is strategic warfare (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Live with Urgency and Hope • “Now is the hour for you to awaken from sleep, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11-12) • Use the shortness of time to fuel evangelism: “We are ambassadors for Christ… be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) • Rest in God’s keeping power: “The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3) • Anticipate deliverance and reward: “When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) Clothed in Christ, armed with truth, and surrounded by the fellowship of believers, we can face the devil’s great wrath with unshakable confidence and unquenchable hope. |
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