December 25, 2022
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet. Revelation 12:1a
God’s faithful ones are likened to a beautiful woman, His bride. Against all odds, God has had a faithful people in every age and stage of this earth’s history. Even though the great deceiver has succeeded in tripping every one of us up, God’s hope-filled “love letter” provides His wonderful counsel, including a vivid description of His intended bride.
In the Old Testament, while she looked forward to her coming Savior, she reflected the plan of salvation to the world—as the moon reflects the sun—through the sanctuary. Beginning with the substitutionary sacrifice all the way through to the holiest place where the eternal law was contained in the ark, exactly as it was spoken by the mouth of the Lord and written with His own finger.
It is upon that foundation, with the moon under her feet, that she stands clothed in light, which is the glory of God and the righteousness of His Son. This magnificent vision given to the apostle John is larger and more vivid than any imax cinematography! Imagine his astonishment at the sight!
The great sign, is for all of us to behold. The pure woman, clothed with light, is radiant with joy. The descriptive wording, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet serves as a reminder of our Creator. The greater and lesser lights of the creation account (Genesis 1:16) are beautiful metaphors for the work of redemption in the world, and thus, point to the Redeemer. By faith, we walk in the light of the Savior who is soon to come again. We stand upon the sure foundation of every word of God. The light of the Savior Himself is our covering. While He is identified as the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2), the light of His love works to form His character within each of us, as a baby grows within its mother’s womb.
Revelation 12 is a sweeping account of the history of the great controversy between good and evil. The use of symbols allows for brevity, making a memorable account. Events are not always laid out in chronological order, similar to a newspaper headline followed by the article. The concluding end is “written across the sky” and then the events which lead up to it are laid out. There is an overall chronology in Scripture, and also many reviews which are intended to highlight and expand our understanding of previously established precepts. This beautiful woman, clothed in dazzling light, is the bride of the LORD throughout the ages!
For your Maker is your Husband. The LORD of hosts is His name. And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth. Isaiah 54:5
“Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” Jeremiah 3:14
“I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD.” Hosea 2:19-20
My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you… Galatians 4:19