When the dragon finally gave up on the woman who gave birth in Chapter 12, he went and stood on the sand of the sea, looking out to sea, waiting for something that would search for the woman’s offspring to attack and kill in war. John witnesses it all in his vision:
“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority” (Rev 13:1-2).
When evil personified is defeated by God’s children, it morphs from one ugly appearance to another, and it seems to pass along its power and control over people with ever-more-terrifying actions in utter disunity from God:
“One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it’” (Rev 13:3-4)?
Who would you name as a similar beast in our world today, someone whom the whole world marvels at because of his or her wealth and independent power? Do you think that this person or persons cannot be defeated? If so, I believe you are wrong. Instead of caving in to power and wealth, try drawing on the truth instead of a transient devil – the dragons and beasts of our age are heading in the same direction that John saw in his vision long ago! Here is why I draw a parallel between Bible times and our current day:
“And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 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, 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 who was slain” (Rev 13:5-8).
It may seem as if we are losing to power and wealth; yes, the saints may be conquered or martyred in the near term. But you and I cannot be slain forever, because our names are in the Book of Life controlled by Jesus himself, whom we will see in person in an instant after our “death” on earth. Your name is in the Book, isn’t it? If not, simply pray to Jesus to come into your heart and you will be saved:
“If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword he must be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints” (Rev 13:9-10).
In other words, some will die of old age and some will be martyred, all in the name of Jesus, whose plan for salvation is perfect! I know missionaries in Ukraine’s capital who right now are facing great danger, but they also know they are blessed family members to Jesus and his ultimate conquest and victory!
And we all will meet again at an unimaginable banquet with our entire family of Jesus dressed in white robes and praising our King.
But first, there are more beasts to deal with. Join the endurance of the saints with faith. Hurry back!