SCRIPTURE: Revelation 13
OBSERVATION:
In his vision, John now sees a horrible beast, which seems to symbolize a powerful empire (Rome?) with a fatal wound that appears healed. That beast has a beast that serves it (the Caesar?), and subjugates all nations, refusing to help those who do not worship him (or Rome), those who do not willingly take the mark of loyalty? This is just one possible application, it could apply to empires and rulers throughout the ages, that ought to be defeated, under the rule of Christ (the mortal wound) but seem to be healed, doing just fine. They have power, they perform amazing signs, they experience great victories, while the followers of Jesus are persecuted, exiled, martyred. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
APPLICATION:
What stands out in this vision is that the dragon who has been defeated, who knows his time is short, is doing what he can through the nations and rulers of this world, to intimidate Jesus’ followers from staying true to Him. Though Jesus is victorious, if often does not appear that way, and as His followers we often despair – ‘Jesus, what is going on, are You really in charge down here?
This vision is intended to show us that the enemy is still at work, and it appears as if he is winning… but he is not. It’s still under control. It’s all according to the plan (the scroll with the seals on it).
What are the ‘powers’ that threaten Jesus-followers today? Depends where we live. For some it is their government (some Muslim or communist nations), for others it’s their worldview (system, philosophy – democracy, consumerism, liberalism, etc.) and the temptations they bring. The very freedoms and ‘blessings’ I enjoy in Canada are the things that can distract me away from Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to see that I am in as much danger (maybe even more) in the freedoms I enjoy, being lulled into an apathetic, worldly pattern of life. Open my eyes to discern the tempting voice of the beast.
The whole world followed the beast and yet this beast blasphemed God and slandered His name. All whose name was not written in the book of life worshipped Him. Once again we hear the words, let him hear. But all too often, we have eyes and do not see and have ears and do not hear. God’s people are told to have patient endurance and faithfulness. In all the happenings, how do we see the Lord God? How do we read the global happenings today?
Then the second beast came and had the power given to him by the first beast. Again the peoples are deceived and worship the beast. The beast controlled all their doings.
Yet God is in control. Lord, open my eyes that I may see You. Open my ears that I hear Your Words. Help me to live each day in Your presence and not some graven image. Use me, mold me by Your Spirit and encourage me on my way – the most excellent way.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!