Today’s Reading | Revelation 13
This Calls For…
Who is the first beast in this chapter, and who is the second beast? The first beast is commonly known as the Antichrist. He is a man who will rule on the earth during the tribulation and will be given his power and his throne by Satan himself. The second beast is known as the false prophet. His job will be to promote the Antichrist and convince the world to worship him. Satan is attempting to counterfeit the trinity of God with these two evil ones. He will set himself up as God and the Antichrist as Jesus. Satan will even deceive people into believing that the Antichrist has died of a head wound and is then raised back to life. All this is designed to counterfeit what God has done. It would seem hopeless if we did not know that God was in total control. While Satan may think he is in control, he is just accomplishing what God has designed. God is in control, and the saints are given great encouragement in verse ten when they are told to have patient endurance and faithfulness. Likewise, when we face what appear to be hopeless situations, we need faithfulness and endurance as we wait for God’s solution.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What circumstances are you facing that seem to be hopeless?
So What?
Can you think of a situation from your past in which God delivered you?
Now What?
How can you find comfort in your present circumstances after reading this passage?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?