It's hard to be optimistic after looking at the news, but tho' the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
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Revelation 13 Summary
Chapter 13 introduces us to the first two of Satan's minions. Tomorrow in chapter 14 we will meet the third, the harlot of Babylon. Chapter 13, however is about beasts. The first is a conglomeration of multi-headed predatory animals (v2). One of these heads has received a mortal wound, but that wound has been healed.
This first beast represents the oppressive world orders & governments. It's not so important to try and figure out which worldly kingdoms are included in those seven heads (Babylon? Rome? Soviet Union?), or which of those kingdoms was mortally wounded but will be restored, rather, keep focused on the big picture. The point here is that there have always been, and as long as the earth endures, will always be kingdoms of man oppressing the Kingdom of God.
The second beast is not very scary at all. In fact, it has the appearance of a lamb (v11). This gentle appearance makes it much more dangerous. It represents the wisdom of the world. We can see in our day and age how it positions itself as being attractive and sophisticated, but it's always pointing people aways from Christ and towards the dragon.
Dig Deeper
Just when it seems like God's people are conquered (v7), John provides a tremendous reminder that those whom God has chosen to be His own, those whose names have been written in the Lamb's book of life. No matter how dark the world seems, nothing can erase your name from the Lamb's book.
John calls for your special attention in v9 - if anyone has an ear, let him hear! John goes on to indicate that it's always going to appear that this world is completely hopeless. But instead, awful events that occur shouldn't cause you to fear for the future, but are rather a call for the endurance and faith of the saints (v10).
The next time this world seems totally lost, remember the third verse of This Is My Father's World:
This is my Father's world:
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!
AAA Prayer :
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: The Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world (v8)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will enable you to patiently endure and be faithful (v10b)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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