September 7: A PLACE IN HEAVEN
But they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. Revelation 12:8
Of the five mentions of Michael, an alternative name for Jesus, He is in situations of intense conflict: combat! We are often reminded of our own strength to prevail when we are faced with conflict: zilch! The subject of our weakness is a prominent one, for if we consider this weakness in the light of God’s word, it fortifies our resolve to depend totally upon Him.
We are no match for the power of Satan. Not even close. Yet he and his angels, as powerful as they are, did not prevail when war broke out in heaven (v.7). This fact is a clue that each of us who chooses to align with the side of righteousness becomes a member of the winning team. It starts by being impressed with the truth of God’s Word. But when it is met with a challenge, Jesus will come to ask you, as He did Martha: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26) As He drives the question home to you, the intellectual belief becomes a personal theology. This world will continue to test it from every conceivable angle. But it must move into the realm of intimate theology: a relationship with Jesus that allows Him alone to be the determining factor at work in your spirit.
The original Hebrew and Greek words that are translated prevail may also be translated overcome. Dependence upon the Savior is absolutely essential if we are to overcome the traps and snares – many of them quite subtle – of the archenemy. The detours that he has for us are varied, some of which may seem insignificant to our limited thinking. But Satan does not care if we miss heaven by a thousand kilometers or a centimeter. Jesus reminds us, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10)
The name Israel means Prevailer With God, for it is only With God that any of us can ultimately prevail. It is unfortunate that today’s use of the name Israel has reduced its meaning to a geographical boundary in the Middle East or a certain DNA. There is a line of thinking, akin to superstition, among many Christians that God is under strict obligation to save anyone with even a drop of Jewish blood in their veins, based upon a misunderstanding of Paul’s statement in Romans 11:26. In actuality, anyone and everyone is under obligation to Him for their very existence. Those who were chosen to carry the message to the world were chosen to believe the message intimately, but “Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants—Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant.” (Isaiah 56:6) To hold fast to [God’s] covenant is to be an overcomer with Him (see the wonderful promises of Revelation 2&3).
Today’s verse demonstrates the concept of prevailing being directly linked to having a place in heaven. As believers, we are to actively seek the strength of Him who said, “My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Although the Jews had cultivated an erroneous belief that the heavenly kingdom would be set up here on earth at the Messiah’s first coming, they taught many things correctly, one of which was a belief in many mansions in the heavenly house of God. Jesus said, “If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2b-3)