Revelation 13:5–10 (ESV)
The First Beast (Part 2)
5And
the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and
his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7Also 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, 8and
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 who was slain. 9If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the
sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
In yesterday’s reading, I left a verse open and should have addressed it. In regards to the first beast,
verse 3 states: “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” This is the question that the world asks, but believers already know that the beast has been defeated on the cross. The beast in today’s reading is trash
talking and messing with the Christians and God. It appears that God is not in charge… but He is! The Lutheran Study Bible states: “In order to bolster his attacks against God and His people, the devil enlists the aid of a hideous
beast, which represents worldly power and political authority run amok. This scenario invites us to consider some important questions: Have we ever allowed an authority besides God to determine what is right or wrong for us? Have we ever obeyed man rather
than God? If so, seek God’s forgiveness in Christ. He invites us to believe that He chose us and wrote our name in His Book of Life before the world began.”
I pray: Father, I thank You for making
me Your own child through Christ Jesus. Grant me strength always to endure even difficult days, especially in these last times before the end. Amen.