Revelation 13

Revelation 13 takes us to life on earth during the tribulation.  The beast will rule for forty two months.  He will be quite the sight:

–       “uttering haughty words

–       Blasphemies against God

–       Make war on the saints

–       Conquer them

–       Authority….over every tribe and people and language and nation

–       All who dwell on earth will worship it”

This beast will rise up and take over for 3.5 years.  It won’t be a fun place to be.  He will have power to perform great signs.  He will “deceive those who dwell on earth”. 

Would you fall for that deception?  Or can you detect evil and good and differentiate between them?  While I would like to think that as Christ Followers we can tell the difference, I wonder.  The beast will be effective.  He will convince those on earth to make an image – to create idols of worship for itself.  And then the beast will require that all be given the number of the beast – 666 – if they want to buy or sell.  It will be required to really live and survive during those times.  What a struggle that will be – to be willing to stand strong for Jesus and resist the temptation to worship the image of the beast.  We need to know the real truth – we need a personal relationship with Jesus – in order to be ready for those days. 

The reality is that every day the end is drawing closer.  I can’t explain all the symbolism in the book of Revelation.  I am not sure it really matters.  What does matter is that we serve a risen Savior, who went to the Cross to gain victory over death.  The war is over.  Jesus has won.  There will be difficult days, in life now as we progress on our journey, and in the end times when this book comes to pass.  But the end of the story will always be the same.  Our side wins.  We are the victors, on the victorious team.  Our future is secure and our God is on the throne.  Praise God that we can cling to that truth and know that our Redeemer lives!