Revelation: Remember Who are Overcomers

I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come; for the accuser of our brothers [satan, Job 1-2, Zechariah 3] has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death. Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath,[satan is really ticked!] knowing that he has but a short time.”       Revelation 12:10-12 (WEB, my emphasis and notes)

If that doesn’t make you give a resounding “Amen!”, check your pulse. I may be still studying and meditating over chapters 6-11, but I get this passage in chapter 12.

Jesus, the Messiah, has completed the mission He was given and, in His own words, He has received:

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.”       Matthew 28:18 (WEB) and

“I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”     John 16:33 (WEB)

I am an overcomer because I have been cleaned and reconciled thru Jesus’ Blood. This free gift is the first sword thrust into the enemy. He hates it when unconditional love is involved! Jesus gave without conditions. Jesus forgave without conditions. He did it as an example; a testimony.

I am an overcomer because I testify to what Jesus has done and how He has changed my life. This is the second sword thrust into the enemy. He hates it when I talk about my life with Jesus to others because he knows the power of that testimony. He hates it when Believers get together in unity in worship whether that is in a sanctuary or at a table with tacos in fellowship and communion.

I am an overcomer because I have no fear of death. I have been blessed by the testimony of many who have gone on to the reward they have been promised. I have seen the joy in their faces as they have left and felt the peace of their spirits. Jesus said not to fear anyone who could kill my body. The only fear would be if I had no assurance. Jesus said if I believe in Him I will live with Him forever. Simple., free gift. There is nothing to fear in death. And this is another thrust into the enemy. What is his response when he knows that I am firmly assured of my life with Jesus? He is filled with rage. If only satan can turn me with doubt and ‘yammer’ in my head with accusations! I do not dwell on when Jesus is coming back. I do not wonder how much time satan has to torment. I just figured he has been here longer than he has left! And so I am ready. I am eager to go but I am also eager to do more for God here. I guess I know a bit about how Paul felt. (Philippians 1:18-26)

This passage of Revelation is powerful and, yet, sobering to remember that I am in a war. There are no innocent bystanders in this war. I am a soldier in Jesus’ army. That is being over dramatic. That is reality. The enemy does not take prisoners. He destroys. (John 10:10) I am no longer a victim. I am an overcomer.