Lawlessness Overcome

Revelation 13:3-10 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. 4 Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?” 5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. 6 He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in Heaven. 7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast – all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. 9 He who has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.
 
REMEMBER the beast is an antichrist Satan formed to rule with political power. The best understanding of this vision comes from the apostle Paul: 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who
are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
   The beast will suffer a great, perhaps fatal wound. In a counterfeit of Jesus’ resurrection, it will
appear the beast has resurrected. This will begin what many see as the final world tribulation – the worst time of evil in the world and persecution against the church in history.
   The Lord God permits this for 42 months for his purposes. Praise God, the faithful who are sealed in Christ will be saved.
   Verse 10 is a somber call to faith. Are you ready to receive possible trials and even death for Jesus’ sake?
 
Prayer: Lord God, we praise you for sealing us against death. We pray today for more to be sealed in Jesus’ blood, safe in you forever. Amen.