Rev 12:17

"And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev 12:17

There is a reason - a very good reason - why the devil is angered at the Church. He wanted to destroy Israel, but he couldn't. He thought he had destroyed Israel when he sent them into exile, but Israel survived and returned to their promised land. He thought he had finished them off with the death of the last prophet of God about 400 BC. He was sure he had done it when he killed their Messiah in 33 AD. Having failed in all those attempts, he left little doubt when Titus over ran Jerusalem in 70 AD. But God had other plans. He sent Israel into exile again - and this was a protection for them. Not that it was pleasant. But the chosen of God were so scattered that Satan had no focal point to attack. He could never destroy them all. They were too numerous and too scattered.

So he chose to war with those of Israel's offspring who not only kept God's commandments, but clung tightly to their faith in Jesus, the Christ, their Redeemer and Savior - that's the Church - you and me and our believing ancestors and fellow saints around the world. I honestly don't believe Satan thinks he can destroy the Church. If Israel was protected by scattering, the Church is even more so. No, he may make war against the saints, but he does not expect victory there. He still has his sights set on Israel - the new Israel - the reborn Israel inhabiting the land given to them by God through Abraham many centuries ago.

Soon, he will marshal all of his efforts on their destruction. The Palestinians can't do it. All of Islam can't do it. But he thinks all the forces of the East can. It's a shame that Satan can't read, because the end of the book says that God wins, Satin loses, and Israel and the Church live on forever! In all of this, whether peace for you and me, or persecution, or rapture, or suffering, remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL! There is no doubt about it. You can read! Read the end of the Book! All is well as long as we are in the palm of God's hand! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.