Revelation (Written)

Wednesday 24 March 202

He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13

The words here continue referring to the second beast that has appeared. As noted, it is probably led by the false prophet of Revelation 16:13 & 19:20. Of this beast, John says, “He performs great signs.”

The word “sign” is the Greek word semeia. It is the same word often used to describe Jesus’ miracles. In 2 Thessalonians 2, it is noted that the antichrist will do these things as well, but they will be false signs. The same will certainly be true with the beast –

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10

John next notes that included in his false signs is a sign found elsewhere in Scripture. John says, “so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.”

This is something that goes all the way back to Elijah in the book of 1 Kings. At that time, Elijah called for a great contest between the God of Israel and the false god Baal. Baal couldn’t do anything because it was no god at all, but Elijah stepped forward and, with only a quiet prayer, came the heavenly response –

“Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!’” 1 Kings 18:38, 39

Elijah also called down fire on bands of soldiers in 2 Kings 1. The beast will likewise perform this sign by making fire come down from heaven. What John sees may be modern artillery, rockets, or some other type of warfare. It also could be some type of weather control, causing lightning or some other event to occur. Whatever it will be, it will serve its intended purpose.

Life application: The people will see these false workings and the coming verse says that they will be deceived by him. Whatever this fire from heaven is, it will be discernable as a false sign. However, like crop circles and global warming – both of which have abundant evidence for being false – people would rather believe the lie than accept the truth.

All true miracles have the overarching purpose of bringing glory to God. Any supposed miraculous event that doesn’t do this is not a true miracle. The beast’s signs will only lead people away from God, not to glorifying him. Failure is found in the false prophet’s signs, and failure is found in those who follow him because of his false signs.

Unfortunately, if the beast is led by the false prophet, this religious leader will sway people from every corner of the religious spectrum and will be heralded as a great man of God. The root of the problem here is that people have failed to check things out for themselves in the word which God has provided, the Holy Bible.

One cannot know who God is apart from how He has revealed Himself. And He has revealed Himself through Jesus. Further, one cannot know Jesus without reading the word that tells of Him. Be sure to read your Bible. There you will find God, because it is there that you will learn of JESUS!

Heavenly Father, if we would simply devote our time to reading and knowing Your word, we would save ourselves so many pains and woes. But alas, it is far easier to watch TV or go out jogging than to sit and read the beautiful words of life. And because of this, we believe many lies rather than the one truth. Turn our hearts to Your word, O God. Amen.

Tuesday, 23 March 2021

And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. Revelation 13:12

The previous verse introduced the beast coming out of the earth with two horns like a lamb, but which spoke like a dragon. As noted, those words may be referring to an entity that is religious in nature. If so, it is assumed to be led by the false prophet.

As noted in the previous verse, the speculation could go on and on. At this point in history, the events are future. Being dogmatic about the exact meaning is futile. For now, John says, “And he exercises all the authority of the first beast.”

This second beast, possibly led by the false prophet, has the same authority as the first beast. This means that he is filled by Satan just as the first beast is. The antichrist and the false prophet both obtain their authority and power from the devil.

John then notes that he exercises this authority of the first beast “in his presence.” This means that what he does is with the expressed approval of the first beast. If this is a religious alliance of the false prophet, it will deal mostly with religious matters while the antichrist will deal with the political/military matters.

With this as a possibility, John next says, “and causes the earth and those who dwell in it.” As already noted in several verse commentaries, the word “earth” can mean quite a number of things. The more dogmatic one gets on its meaning, if wrong, the more the analysis will steer away from the correct interpretation. Is this referring to the whole earth? Is it referring to the land of Israel only? And so on. As “the earth” appears to be set in contrast to “the sea” of verse 13:1, the distinction is probably one of two things. It is either religious as opposed to secular, or it is Israel in contrast to the nations.

Because it is speaking of the “earth and those who dwell in it,” this may more likely be speaking of the land of Israel. Until the time comes, it is all speculation. But either way, the result is the same. The people of “the earth” are caused, “to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” There is such a deception concerning these end times events that the healing of the head of the first beast will be a point of awe – “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

This great alliance of nations will appear to be the premier force on earth. As such, allegiance to it is to be expected. This should not be thought unlikely. In the world today, people worship the World Health Organization in the sense that they have all of the medical answers needed to rescue the masses. People worship the UN as if they have all of the governmental answers to align the world under one head. And so forth.

The mentality of globalists is that if it consolidates power and authority, it is a good thing. This is exactly what this false religious beast will convince the people concerning the beast that rose out of the sea (meaning the nations) to become a world power.

If, in fact, the earth is signifying those in the land of Israel – as opposed to the “sea” which signifies the gentile nations – then this religious body will lead astray the Jews who reject the message of the 2 witnesses (that which testifies to the truth of Jesus).

He will have them thoroughly convinced that the beast “whose deadly wound was healed” is worthy of following and giving their allegiance to it. Regardless of whether this is a Jewish person or not, he will have the ability to mislead the masses concerning the workings of the antichrist and will have them following him.

Life application: As unlikely as it seems to us who look forward to these things and understand them from a Jesus-centered worldview, the people of the world won’t look at the events around them in this manner. Instead, they will simply think that what they are doing, and the one they are following, is their great deliverer.

This has been the case time and again in history as leaders arise to deceive those who follow them, but when the tribulation comes, it will be on a global scale. As noted above, the consolidation of power by globalists is their own god. They look to man as the final rule and authority, but they fail to see that man without Christ belongs to the devil.

There is only one way to have that default position corrected. That is to accept God’s offer of reconciliation which came about in the giving of His Son. In accepting this, one moves from the authority of the devil to the authority of God. This can only come through receiving JESUS.

Lord God, it is heartbreaking to read through the pages of the Bible and see the history of man continuously repeating itself. We fall away from the truth, are judged in order to correct us, and then for a short time return to You. But time and again, we stray right back to our ways of error. Give us wise and discerning hearts to follow You obediently. Amen.

Monday, 22 March 2021

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. Revelation 13:11

In verse 13:1, a beast rose out of the sea. That was symbolic of an alliance of nations arising out of the chaos of the nations of the world. Now, another beast arises out of the earth. As John says, “Then I saw another beast coming out of the earth.”

It has already been noted that the word “earth” is a general term. It can speak of the inhabitants of the earth, the actual earth upon which we stand, a particular region of the earth (such as “the land of Israel”), and so on. The first beast is spoken of without the second beast at times, but this second beast is never seen apart from the first beast.

This second beast, meaning its leader, has been equated by some with the False Prophet of Revelation 16:13. If so, that may speak of a religious rule of the beast, just as the antichrist will rule over the first beast. Of this beast, John notes, “and he had two horns like a lamb.” Horns are a symbol of power and authority. Being like a lamb, these two leaders will appear to be mild and gentle. If the “earth” is referring to the land of Israel, the beast is an organizational structure that appears to have the best intent of the people in mind. One horn could be the high priest of the reestablished temple service, for example. Or this could be a global religious system as well. It all depends on what the term “earth” is referring to here.

However, John next notes, “and spoke like a dragon.” The beast will give the impression that its actions are caring, loving, and with completely good intentions, but as it directs its actions verbally, its true source of power will be revealed – it is speaking on behalf of the devil.

A couple possibilities are:

* This is referring to a religious body, or at least one horn of it is religious in nature. It is one that is working in harmony with the alliance led by the antichrist, having two leaders that support its cause.

* This is speaking of a body in the land of Israel. As the first beast will be a group of gentile nations led by the antichrist, and this second beast may be a Jewish entity. In the Old Testament, there are several words translated as “the earth.” The most prominent word, eretz, can and often does mean specifically the land of Israel. The same is true with this word in the Greek, which is ge.

It could be that John is building upon this concept. As the first beast is specifically coming out of the “sea,” and this second beast is coming out of the “earth,” the difference may be to define one as Gentilet and the other as Israel.

Another possibility is given by the Pulpit Commentary, saying, “We shall find reason to interpret this beast as self deceit – that form of plausibility by which men persuaded themselves into a belief that they might without harm worship the former beast. … the writer wishes to show the universal character of the temptations with which Christians are assailed; and thus one beast seems to pertain to the sea, and the other to the earth, thus dividing the whole world between them. And he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. That is, while simulating an appearance of Christ, his words betrayed his devilish nature. The aim of this beast throughout is to assume a plausible exterior, that men may be beguiled by him (cf. vers. 13-17). Such is the nature of that self deceit which we believe this beast to typify. Many men, who were not to be tempted into a renunciation of Christ by the bitter persecution of the first beast, because coming in such a form they recognized easily its true nature, were nevertheless beguiled into such acts by specious reasoning and the deceit of their own hearts.”

That analysis doesn’t explain why there are two horns, meaning two leaders, but it provides a distinction from the first beast.

These are but a few of the countless possibilities that have been suggested concerning this second beast. If it is, in fact, the False Prophet later referred to, it would be a religious body as suggested above. Being a false prophet suggests being in a position to prophesy. At the time of this commentary, the pope is currently making alliances with the leaders of Islam. Such an alliance could have two horns, or religious leaders, but it would certainly speak like a dragon.

If this is speaking of “coming out of Israel,” it could be that the two horns are a false Christianity and a Judaism that has rejected Christ uniting together. This might be an alliance between the Pope and the chief rabbi or even the High Priest of the reestablished temple – uniting their voices in regard to end-times events.

Until the beast arrives, the speculation could go on and on. But it will be known once it comes forth.

Life application: A good way to visualize such an unholy entity is to simply look at the politicians in one’s own city, state, or nation. Far too often people are duped by those who appear to have other’s best intent in mind. However, in the end, they only find wickedness in their elected official. The people of the earth will see one thing, but will come to find another in this Satan-filled beast.

It is important for Christians is to be discerning. We cannot just look at a person, religious or otherwise, and decide he is good or bad based on externals. But rather, we need to listen to his words, evaluate his actions, and then make our decisions as best as we can. In the end, our hope should never be in a person or government, but in God. As God has sent His Christ to reveal Himself to us, let us place our ultimate hope and trust in JESUS!

Lord, how easily we look to our elected officials as if they have all the answers and as if they are the epitome of moral rectitude, but then we find that they are filled with deceit, moral perversion, and greed. Give us discerning eyes to know the truth of our leaders and to reject those who would bring discredit to Your great glory. Amen.

Sunday, 21 March 2021

He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13:10

The first clause varies in some Greek texts, changing the meaning a bit –

“He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity.”
“If anyone is to be taken captive, into captivity he goes.”

The first of these makes both clauses follow the same idea, revealing an action based on an action. The person who does a certain action will have that action brought against him.

The second then reveals an action based upon destiny’s hand. The person who is destined for a certain action cannot escape that fate.

As the final fate of both options is the same, that of captivity, it is a note that this lies ahead for some. Thus, Jesus’ words of the previous verse are to be remembered: “If anyone has an ear, let him hear.” Assuming the first is correct, simply for the purpose of analysis, it bears the same general thought as that found in Jeremiah 15. Prior to the Babylonian captivity, the people of Judah were told that they were destined for trouble because of their unfaithfulness. The Lord said to Jeremiah that if the people asked where they should go, his answer to them was to be abrupt, concise, and lacking hope –

“And it shall be, if they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you shall tell them, “Thus says the Lord:
‘Such as are for death, to death;
And such as are for the sword, to the sword;
And such as are for the famine, to the famine;
And such as are for the captivity, to the captivity.’” Jeremiah 15:2

Therefore, the first translation option noted above is probably what is being referred to, and is based on this Old Testament source. It is further reflected in Jeremiah 43:11 –

“When he comes, he shall strike the land of Egypt and deliver to death those appointed for death, and to captivity those appointed for captivity, and to the sword those appointed for the sword.”

In war, there are casualties. This is the expectation, and they may be sinners or saints. When the enemy comes through, he will not stop to determine which. Thus, the saints must be as ready to be taken captive as the sinner. John next says, “he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.”

This is a clear reference to Jesus’ words of Matthew 26:52 –

“But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

It is a general truth that people who live in a certain way will find the same treatment dealt to them that they brought upon others. A person who constantly sues others will find himself being sued. A person who is a soldier will probably die in battle. A man of blood will die a bloody death.

Thus, the warning for the future is that tough times are ahead. The fate of time and circumstance will come upon people based on where they are at any given moment, and those who engage in battle during that time are bound to die in the battle. With this in mind, John then writes, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

The word “here” is emphatic, meaning that this is the promise which should help them to endure the trials and death they will face. “Here – rest in this faithful soul; your reward is coming.”

The warning has been given in advance. The saints of the Tribulation period will not be immune from the terrible times that lie ahead. They will face captivity, and they will face death. But in persevering, they will be saved. As Jesus says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Christ is looking for faith among those who say they are His. In this time of fiery trial, those who are not of faith will be weeded out.

Life application: This verse is actually a verse of hope. The saints of the tribulation period will fall by the sword and be martyred in an amazingly vast number – all because they refuse to bow the knee to the antichrist. But in holding on to their faith, they shall be saved. The Lord will remember them.

Those who hold fast to Jesus will be granted eternal life, and the wrongs done to them will be made right. However, for those who follow the antichrist, there will only be eternal damnation. The Lord will be their Judge, and He will do so impartially, and with swiftness. But before that happens, the redemptive narrative must run its course. Because of this, and knowing the terrible times that lie ahead, wouldn’t it be better to be right with the Lord now.

Today is the day of salvation. We do not know what tomorrow holds. Call out to God now and be reconciled to Him through the Gift of His Son. Call out to God through JESUS.

Lord, even now in this time of peace and abundance, our lives often seem difficult and filled with trials. At times, we take our eyes off the fact that You have already written Your word and that it will surely come to pass exactly as promised. Help us to remember this as we face our daily troubles. Give us that peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Saturday, 20 March 2021

If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Revelation 13:9

The words resemble those found in the seven letters to the seven churches. Towards the end of each of those letters, the Lord would give this as a note calling for heightened attention. The idea of “If anyone has an ear” is that of understanding. The idea of “let him hear” is that of following through in proper compliance to that which is spoken.

In this case, scholars are divided as to whether the paying heed is referring to what has just been said about the beast and the persecution of the saints who do not worship the beast, or if it is referring to the coming verse that calls for “the patience and the faith of the saints.” The answer is that it is both. The entire passage is carefully aligned so that it requires special attention.

Life application:  In Deuteronomy 4:9, 10, it says –

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, ¹⁰ especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’”

In those verses is the admonition that the people are told to “let them hear My words.” The Lord is speaking to His people and asking them to listen and apply the words to their lives. And then Jesus finally came, about fifteen hundred years later, and walked among the people of Israel.

Eight times the gospels record Jesus’ words, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” These eight times are Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 13:43, Mark 4:9, 4:23, 7:17, Luke 8:8, & 14:35. In Revelation, this phrase is also repeated eight times – 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22, and 13:9.

Revelation 13:9 is now the last time it is found in the Bible. It is a final note of warning to the people of the world, and it will call for true and steadfast hearts, willing to heed the words from the mouth of the Creator.

The finishing of the thought will come in the next verse. God is instructing the people who will live in this terrible time of tribulation. By far the best option is to get right with Jesus now and avoid the trials, the woes, and the tests to come. Bow the knee to Jesus, call on Him now, and be ready for the rapture. The time of that event is unknown, but it will come to pass. He is coming for His people. He is JESUS!

Heavenly Father, since the earliest days of man on earth, You have given Your word and asked us to hear it and apply it to our lives. However, we are so determined to do it our own way. Certainly, You give us such instruction so that we may live and enjoy life, but we continuously reject it for temporary pleasure. Help us to get it right; help us to follow Your word of life. Amen.