14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. (Revelation 12:14–17)
Just a few more thoughts on the remnant of Jews who make it through the 7-year tribulation before we move on to Chapter 13. Since modern conservative evangelical churches, including mine, have eschewed mention of the “end times,” it goes without saying that the Jewish people have been lost in the shuffle, especially in today’s political climate where on all sides Israel is condemned for protecting itself. A good case can be made to mistrust this nation and its leaders. At the very least they can be faulted for being self-serving, but what nation isn’t? What we see now, and what we associate with the Jews today, is only a facsimile of who will be hurried into the mountains for protection for 42 months. Those who are protected there will be believers by definition, vetted if you will, by the blood of the Savior. They “keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (v. 17) They’ve met the minimum entry requirements, according to the truism, “No one comes to the Father but through the Son.” (“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6)
Even so, v. 17 suggests that their number will be whittled down even further, which does not rule out more Jewish converts/survivors in the dragon’s ensuing war with the “rest of the children.” Remember, there will be at least 144,000 Jewish men who survive.
While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
It is interesting to observe the devastation caused by the recent flood in Nepal. Thousands were killed instantly by the rushing waters. These people had no where to hide. At the least, we can now envision how quickly judgment can occur. When we think, “peace and safety,” judgment occurs without restraint. At least in this case, they’ve Lord orders the “earth to help the woman.”
Just thinking about the fact that by this time, at least half of the world’s population has been lost, maybe more than 4 billion people, and two thirds of the Jews according to Zechariah 13:8. The complexion of the world will have changed dramatically. It is fair to say that the world as we now know it will be lost geographically, politically, and spiritually. When Jesus triumphantly returns and all who contest him are killed at Armageddon, it is a good bet that the earthly Kingdom will be centered where everything started, in the Middle East, and it will be populated only with believers initially, of Jewish and Gentile descent. No doubt worship will be different with the King on the scene. If Christ comes back to “rule and reign,” with a “rod of iron” (Revelation 2:27), it will not be “touch and go,” but he will take up residence here. Although grossly understated, “things will be different!”
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