Today’s reading: Revelation 8:6-13:10
My selection: Revelation 13:7-8
7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain.
My reflections: The beast, contrary to what one might think, is articulate, “uttering haughty and blasphemous words” (vs. 5). He is powerful, able to conquer the saints and holding power over every tribe and people and language and nation. He is glorious, eliciting worship from all but those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb.
Satan counterfeits every good thing of God: eloquent wisdom, sovereign power, and worship-worthy majesty. As the knowledge of the true God fades out in modern society the vacuum left is filled by the counterfeit, a monolithic system which unites political-military power, academia, and religion. No wonder Bible-believing people are not willing to blindly follow existing political parties and charismatic leaders.
My challenge: Are you prepared to suffer for the truth of the gospel? Do you resist the seduction of political leaders who promise a perfect world? Can you see through the pseudo-intellectualism of those whose wisdom does not begin with the fear of the Lord but with the worship of Man? Beware of Satan’s counterfeits. Do not be deceived, but, remember, you will suffer in this world, not in the next.
Tomorrow’s reading: Revelation 13:11-18:24
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