The Mark of the Beast
Scripture reading for December 17: Revelation 13
“Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:11-17
Much has been made of this passage concerning the beasts that arise from earth’s ‘sea’ of mankind in the last days. These ‘beasts’ are men made in God’s image but indwelt by Satan to fulfil the final purposes of God. The first beast was empowered by the dragon and had characteristics of a leopard, bear, and a lion. These beasts remind us of Daniel’s visions and the great kings who conquered the world through humanist power and ruled by occultic practices. (Daniel 7:1-8) But this beast has a fatal wound that has been healed and is the final world ruler of Satan’s rebellion and know as antichrist. (Revelation 13:1-10)
John describes a second beast who worked to bring worship to the first beast known also as the false prophet. This ‘beast’ would look like a lamb, obviously a counterfeit of Jesus Christ. However, when this beast spoke, it sounded like the dragon. This beast was allowed to do signs that would deceive those on the earth into idolatry, immorality, and ultimately receiving a mark on their right hand or forehead. The mark, 666, is the number of the antichrist’s name found on those rejecting Jesus Christ and serving the antichrist in false worship.
Does the use of the descriptions of these end-time beasts help you in understanding God’s plan? How is the worship of the beast being manifested in today’s world? What is the significance of the mark of the beast on right hands or foreheads?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I testify that You Alone are the Lamb of God Who shed blood for my forgiveness and salvation. Mark me with Your Holy Spirit that the work of my hands and the meditation of my mind and heart might please You. Amen.
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