Revelation 13:5-10

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 from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.  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 must he be slain.  Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Perhaps one of the greatest judgments of God on the earth will be casting Satan down to the earth to empower Antichrist.  Since he is no longer able to make accusations against believers in heaven, he takes out his wrath on attacking believers on earth.  These wars will take a tremendous toll on believers spread throughout the world, but the far more dire consequence will be the idolatry of unbelievers.  Those who worship the Beast instead of repenting of sin and trusting Christ, will suffer a fate far worse than death.

THE BLASPHEMOUS BEAST: The audacity of evil is astounding to observe.  Satan has been defeated and cast out of heaven. It is more than clear that God is in control and able to defeat Satan and the hosts of demons.  One would think that in light of such defeat there would be submission.  Instead, Satan and the beast continue to try to “pick a fight.”  Declaring blasphemy against the God who just cast you out of heaven does not seem wise, but since repentance and salvation is not an option for Satan; diving into further rebellion is really the only option.  The patience of God is amazing, but it will not last forever.  Justice will eventually rule the day.

THE PERSECUTED PEOPLE: The followers of Christ have always faced opposition and persecution on this fallen world.  This will be dramatically intensified during this last half of the tribulation.  God has given permission for this to happen for reasons that we, and certainly those who face it, will have a hard time understanding.  As always, we and they must trust in the wisdom of our sovereign Lord.  The power of the beast will be immense and his influence on the earth unprecedented.  People from all nations will be enamored by him and respond by worshiping him.  Worship can be intoxicating to people.  We were created to worship but not to be worshiped.  When a man accepts worship, it becomes a controlling passion of their lives and causes them to lash out against anyone who would dare to refuse to worship them.  Antichrist will bask in the worship of unbelievers and attack anyone who would refuse such worship.

THE FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS: God’s word to His children who face this kind of persecution will simply be to endure it.  Some will be taken into captivity and imprisoned for refusing to worship Antichrist.  Others will be slain by the sword.  The true followers of Christ are admonished to stand firm, be faithful, and trust the Lord.  We might not face the same level of persecution and hatred in our current life, but the admonition to be faithful, trust God, and endure what He allows in our lives is still vital to our wellbeing.  

APPLICATION: Unlike Satan, we are able to repent, so when we endure judgment because of our sin; we must do just that.  Don’t ever accept worship from any man or worship any man.  Both of those can become addicting but lead us down a path of destruction.  Trust God in the face of difficulties and endure faithfully whatever He allows to come into our lives.

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