The First Rebellion

A rebellion is open resistance against the orders of an established authority. The word “rebellion” comes from the Latin verb re (“again”) and bell? (“I wage war”). A rebel is an individual who takes part in a rebellion, usually motivated by feelings of indignation over a situation. While rebellions can sometimes try to evade a power, a revolt seeks to overthrow it.

Sometimes rebellions succeed; sometimes they don’t. In 1838, the Cherokees refused to be moved by the U.S. government and stood their ground. Federal troops destroyed their homes and forced them to move west. Over four thousand Cherokees died from the journey of disease and starvation. Their pathway away from home is known as the Trail of Tears.

But the greatest rebellion in the universe took place when Lucifer, an angel who served next to God, decided that he wanted to take the place of God. The Bible explains, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!” (Isaiah 14:12).

This fallen angel was originally created perfect: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12). But something changed within his mind. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor” (v. 17).

Lucifer didn’t want to be like God; he wanted to take the place of God. “You have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13). Lucifer rebelled against the government of heaven. It was his first step in becoming Satan, the adversary.

The devil’s rebellion turned into a revolt. His discontent and disloyalty grew until “war broke out in heaven” (Revelation 12:7). Sadly, a third of the angels joined him and he was cast out of heaven (v. 4). As we’ll see, this rebellion appeared to succeed on the earth, but in the end it will end up as a trail of tears for those who join him.

Apply It:

Can you think of a time in your life when you rebelled against an authority?

Dig Deeper:

Isaiah 14:12–17; Ezekiel 28:1–19; Revelation 12:7–12

Key Bible Texts

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Revelation 12:7 KJV)