Then another sign appeared in heaven: There was a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and 10 horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. His tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth he might devour her child. Revelation 12:3-4 HCSB
The large fiery dragon represents Satan. The seven heads could represent the kingdoms of the earth that he rules or it could represent great wisdom and understanding. Horns usually represent power, strength, and authority. The diadems are kingly crowns. Presented together Satan is portrayed as being very wise, strong, and powerful. The third of the stars in heaven is usually considered to represent the angels that fell from heaven with Satan. They are Satan’s demons who fight against God and all that is good. This is in line with Hebrew tradition that says one-third of the angels were cast out of heaven with Satan.
We should never underestimate the power of Satan and his demons. They are on a mission to tempt people and destroy lives. As the Scripture says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 HCSB. Satan especially enjoys devouring devoted Christians. If he can destroy a strong Christian, it impacts more than just that one life. How many times have we seen prominent Christian leaders fall to the temptations of Satan and destroy their ministries and their families, not to mention disillusioning many others who looked up to that person for leadership?
Challenge: Be alert; Satan is alive and well and looking to get his foot in the door anywhere you leave the slightest crack. Avoid putting yourself in tempting situations and all appearances of evil. Satan is powerful and you cannot defeat him with your own willpower and strength. Pray for strength from God to overcome temptation and defeat Satan. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.