Rev. 12 And The Man Child

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Q. Hello, I am a 72 year old Sunday School teacher and have been teaching for 24 years, by the Grace of God! I have a question on Revelation 12th Chapter verses 1-6. I know the woman is Israel. But, I can't believe this is talking about the birth of Christ, When we are in the things that are future.

I cannot see how this scripture goes back to the birth of Jesus, also in the Church of Thyatira , The overcomers are promised they too, will rule with Jesus with a rod of iron. Can you shed some light on this scripture?

A. Rev. 12 is a sweeping overview that actually begins with Joseph's dream from Genesis 37:9 and ends with the believing remnant being supernaturally protected during the Great Tribulation. The woman represents Israel and the dragon is Satan. The man child in verse 5 can only be the Messiah because first he is born out of Israel and second He'll rule the nations with an iron scepter. This is a reference from Psalm 2:9 and refers to the Messianic King. In Rev 2:26-27 the iron scepter reference shows that He'll share His rule with the Church. We know this because verse 26 says that He gives us our authority.