The Antichrist, The False Prophet And The Mark Of The Beast
BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 13 and Psalm 138 (NIV)
(Cecilia Chow, Companions in Christ Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Revelation 13 and Psalm 138 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Revelation 13, we are introduced to two beasts: the beast from the sea and the beast from the Earth.
The beast from the sea – the antichrist – as seen in its blasphemous nature, was given power by the dragon to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them (v7). The people worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast (v4), and all inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life, will worship the beast (v8).
The beast from the earth – the false prophet – looked innocent with two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon (v11). It had power to perform great signs. He was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, and deceived those on earth (v14). It was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed (v15).
This second beast also forced everyone to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads (v16).
The Shema says – “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.” Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (NLT).
Moses added in v8, “to tie to your hands and wear them (Shema) on your forehead as reminders”.
What is taken on the forehead and hands, represents thoughts and actions. If a mark is on the forehead and the hands, it represents that we are for someone in our thoughts and our works. The mark of the beast is an oath of allegiance to a fake Shema – an allegiance to Satan the dragon and the antichrist.
Psalm 138 assures us that in the midst of evil forces coming strong, God is in charge and always in control. From above, he watches over and protects.
APPLY:
In our modern day, though I may not physically come face to face with scary looking beasts, knowing a little more about the characteristics of the two beasts and the implications of the mark of the beast, draws me to anchor my focus onto God and persevere on in faith whenever I feel unsure, afraid, or overwhelmed.
DO:
1. To praise God with all my heart, for His unfailing love and faithfulness.
2. To carry out Deuteronomy 6:4-8.
3. To rest my hope in Christ and persevere on in faith
PRAY:
Dear God, please protect my thoughts and my actions, and strengthen me in my moments of weakness. Preserve me to remain faithful to you, even in the face of persecution. Lord, in my daily living, please grant me patient endurance and faithfulness, especially when I am weak. Help me not to be blinded by the cover of popular choice that could hide the face of evil and idolatry. Grant me wisdom to be sensitive to your presence. Help me to stay firm and not to stray away from you. May I always rest my hope in Christ and be faithful till the end. In Christ’s blessed and beloved name. Amen.
