But yes my boss is not in meetings and I have a considerable amount of work to do so........... ya.......
Rev 13:1-10 The first beast
So this beast comes out of the water and it resembles the dragon with 10 horns, 10 diadems (again crowns), and 7 heads. Perhaps I should be looking more in depth but I'm very hesitant to assume something that is not clearly there and thereby corrupt God's messege with my foolishness. Not to say John MacArthur is necessarily foolish but the commentaries on these passages are sometimes a bit stretched it seems. I don't know if the heads and horns refer to empires because I'm not even sure what empires will exist during the tribulation. I do think it's safe to conclude that the horns represent power, that his heads probably do refer to influence over something human. And not that I have much ground to argue with J Mac but I would guess that the diadems are more likely representative of empires or nations or leaders than the heads, they are crowns after all. Ultimately this is what we're told, this 7 headed, 10 diadem, 10 horned beast, came from the sea and was like a leopard, with feat like a bear, and mouth like a lion. J Mac equates these animals to nations but I kind of think they are just fierce atributes that WOULD define a beast. (though I am amused how J Mac relates the lion to the nation of babylon just because babylon make me think of lions too, more specifically baby lions, but thats a totally off topic story).
Now I think this is interesting. The beast has a mortal wound that has been healed. Supposedly this is because the beast will come claiming to be the lamb. I think this is very possible and exactly what might deceive a lot of Israel since they had been waiting for a strong and mighty saviour (by their worldly standards). They wanted a conquerer and satan is gonna give it to them, though they don't really know what they want. False prophets claim to be Jesus all the time. Unfortunately, the chapter goes on to say that the earth was "marveled" and followed the beast while worshiping the dragon who gave the beast authority. The people proclaim "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?" By the way, I don't think that I've mentioned that the beast is the antichrist.
As appropriate of the antichrists nature, he will blaspheme against God and wage war against the saints. He will have authority "over every tribe and people and language and nation." And everyone will be deceived and worship the beast EXCEPT Christians. The Word clarifies that only those whose names are NOT written in the book of life will worship the beast.
In verse 9 and 10 we are assured of persecution and called to persevere. I like what the ESV study bible says; "captivity and sword are God's ordained route to victory for his saints, they must practice endurance." Indeed if it happens, then it has been sovereignly planned and ordained. If I'm to die by the sword, then let me die for Christ! I just hope I can say that so confidently when(if) I meet that sword.
Things I realize: Revelelation is scary.... the end..... j/k. Well it is scary because there will be evil but I know that God is never out of control and I can be content with that. Like pastor Aaron said yesterday, I must actively put on the new self, including endurance. I don't like to endure pain (unless it's pulling hairs, not that I like to endure pain but I hate hairs enough to do so haha) but hopefully I will hate sin and evil enough to endure persecution if thats what it takes to glorify God. It is also very practical to know things about the antichrist, like pretending to be the lamb, or that he will be worshipped by so many.
Tomorrow Rev 13: 11-18 The Second Beast
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