MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
This week we're moving to a new topic, an overview from the Book of Revelation. The focus will still be on Jesus and how He is available to help through any tribulations that come to our world.
A question to begin with is, where do we place our values, and what or whom do we worship? Chapters 13 and 14 discuss worship and rulers. Two reigns are depicted in these passages, the reign of the beast, and the reign of the Lamb. Many generations have experienced an age of antichrist, but there will come a worldwide happening when a final "antichrist" appears.
In Revelation chapter 13, a behind-the-scenes character in the first reign is the dragon, Satan, standing on the seashore. The sea often represents turmoil and chaos, so we have an indication he is behind all the cataclysmic events that are occurring. Following a period of anarchy, the world will be ready for someone to step in and take control, promising a semblance of peace and security. Next is a beast that comes from the sea, with ten horns representing power, and on the horns are crowns which illustrate wealth and authority. It has seven heads, each with names of blasphemy, meaning they are claiming divine authority - the beast attributes things to God that are not God.
Many turn their worship to the beast because it promises of deliverance and security during a time of disorder. Of its seven heads, one of the heads has what appears to be a fatal wound; this could be a physical wound, or perhaps economic ruin, political failure, or some other injury, but its healing appears miraculous. It has the traits of a leopard, bear and lion - all predatory animals, indicating that the beast will take as its own and consume anything it can. There are striking similarities to an Old Testament prophecy in Daniel chapter 7; no surprise that God's messages to Daniel and John are consistent. Revelation 13:3 says, "...the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast." As things in our world become more troubling, it will be tempting to follow after one that seems to have such power.
Another beast emerges from out of the earth (Revelation 13:11), appearing like a lamb with two horns. This creature is not as foreboding. It speaks "as a dragon" with a seductive, beguiling, persuasive voice to draw many to its clutches. This second beast is a false prophet, appearing as a religious leader, and its goal is to elevate the first beast. It offers fulfillment, pleasure and meaning, but once someone gets close it takes possession. What started with appeal and deception now controls with intimidation and fear. Worship of the beast and the false prophet begin voluntarily, then become mandatory.
The antichrist is given authority to war against the saints, God’s people, and it blasphemes against God and things holy. Other generations have had those who've led astray, but there will come a day when turning away from Christ will be worldwide. Economic exclusion will be forced on all who do not possess the beast's mark.
Even though warnings are clear, for those who resist temptations and remain faithful, there will be deliverance. At the conclusion of the first reign, 42 months which may be symbolic (Revelation 13:5), Jesus the Lamb will return. He was previously identified in Revelation chapter 5 as the One who has overcome and the only Person worthy of opening the scroll of judgment; now, John sees Him standing on Mt Zion. The false prophet appeared as a lamb, and the antichrist seemed to have overcome death. But on that day we will see the true Lamb of God who was slain, yet lives, who is proclaimed as the one "'...who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29).
The beginning of Revelation chapter 14 gives a glimpse of the seat of royalty and sovereignty, the holy city which old Jerusalem failed to be. Here Jesus is surrounded by thousands who, rather than take the mark of the beast, have the name of the Father written on their foreheads. The number 144,000 may be symbolic, though many have tried to interpret it. The 12 tribes, 12 apostles, multiplied by 1,000 represent the perfect number, more inclusive than the literal number. The redeemed ones standing on the mount have resisted spiritual adultery with Satan, and have given their lives to Christ.
What matters is that people have their names written in the Lamb's book of life, live uncorrupted by evil, and are able to sing the new song of the redeemed. "Worship" of the beast in chapter 13 is misguided, deceived, coerced and threatened. Paul described it in his day, "...they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). Our Lord Jesus offers a contrast in Revelation 14 to those who have followed the Lamb; they endure, emerge triumphant, and will stand and worship in song. They are with the Son who provides the light for the new eternal city. May we have courage and wisdom to avoid the worship of culture, wealth, institutions, entertainment, politics, and the darkness and chaos they represent.
Next week, we will plan to write about the reign of Jesus Christ in Revelation chapter 19.
