October 10 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.  
 
THE best understanding of this vision and prophecy 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 is the antichrist. He will suffer a great, perhaps fatal wound. In a counterfeit of Jesus’ resurrection, it will appear the beast has come back to life. As we continue, you will see the devil raises up a false trinity to turn the unsaved to worship him.
    This beasts’ “resurrection” will be the beginning of what many see as the tribulation of the world – the worst time of evil in the world and persecution against the church in history. The antichrist is the lawless one Paul describe; his unlimited evil will seem to  accomplish Satan’s will on the earth. The Lord God permits this for his purposes. In turn, we must urge people to submit to the One God, One Lord to be saved.
    Praise God, the faithful who are sealed in Christ will be saved. This was revealed to us earlier in Revelation,  and the Lord reminds us again. Yes, some saints will be present in the tribulation, but no evil can touch their souls, sealed in salvation.
    Worldly lawlessness cannot overcome Jesus’ precious blood shed to fulfill God’s law. The mere breath of Jesus’ truth at God’s appointed moment will bring eternal victory to those who have ears to hear. Verse 10 is a call to faith, to receive God’s will done on earth.
    What trials attack you? Are you being true in Jesus’ words? Are you loving his words and trusting him to deliver you from evil?
 
Prayer: Lord God, we praise you for sealing us against death. We pray today for more to be sealed in Jesus’ blood, safe from the lawless one. Amen.
 
Note: Barb and I are departing for Kenya and Uganda, returning October 30. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to open ears to hear the gospel of salvation. Thank you.