Timeless
I’m going to attempt something very difficult. I’m going to try to pull a message about the “beasts” of Revelation without attempting to identify and pin down the specifics of historical/future persons or groups. It seems first nature to jump into that, when reading the texts, and that discussion has it’s place. Is it all about Nero and Rome? Is every President I don’t like the Anti-Christ? Are we going to be gone before the Anti-Christ gets on the world stage? Instead, I’m going to focus on the typology of what is discussed. My hope is to make this “timeless” enough that it can provide insight into our current lives even if one believes the specifics already occurred or will not in their lifetime.
Revelation 13 speaks of 2 beasts. The first is described with 7 heads and 10 horns. This appears to be a governing organization (seemingly made up of 7 smaller governing entities with a total of 10 leaders) as it is given authority to both take captive and wage war against the saints (verse 7 and 10). The second is said to exercise some authority as well, but on the behalf of the first. However, the thing that defines this second beast from the first is it’s “ministry”. He performs acts, which the world will consider great, to bring praise to the first beast.
The Mark!
A great deal more focus is given by most to the second beast (which is also often combined with the first beast to be “the beast”) because the idea of the “Mark” stokes the imagination. It seems every year there’s a new physical identification concept which people point to as this mark. Tattoos, currencies, ID cards, implanted chips, etc…
While there may be some physical symbol(s) that outwardly mark a follower of the beasts, I think it’s more important for Christians to look at what the symbols found here represent. The pattern can be useful to help us identify if our decisions are honoring to God or if we are straying into this type of idolatry, at any time in history.
The second does what he can to make the rest of the world worship the first. For my part, I do not see the language around the mark as evidence it is a badge of honor so much as one of the methods of coercion used by the second beast (for those who don’t find the “signs” being performed compelling enough).
The text (Revelation 13:16) says he “causes” or “makes” all mankind, regardless of station, receive the mark. Nobody “causes” football fans to wear their team jersey. Nobody “makes” fans of a band wear their merchandise. There’s an element of pressure there, and the following verse makes that even more clear. We’re talking trade sanctions against individuals who don’t demonstrate their loyalty to this system.
That’s not to say there won’t be some who do wear their loyalty with pride. However, there will also be those who are only convinced by some level of threat. While some are worshipful because of the activities of this beast, others will simply be caving to the pressures exerted because they loved the things of this world more than God.
Later, in chapter 18, we are introduced to another vision of a nation or system which makes war against the saints (verse 24) and likewise is said to have swayed people with “sorceries” or signs (verse 23).
All this to say that if we want to avoid falling into this trap where we’re lovers of the world, we must understand that there will be feats which are impressive but are on the authority of the “dragon” or Satanic.
However, for those who don’t fall for all the impressive displays of “wonder”, the beasts aren’t done trying to get that respect! Instead, they will threaten your ability to participate in commerce. In Revelation 18, we see Great Babylon is known as a place for trade in the rarest and most valuable commodities. If you are willing to sell out to the whore of the nations, it appears you could make a very comfortable life for yourself. However, she is a persecutor of God’s people, and ultimately will come to utter ruin.
Both the people amazed by what the world can do and those who are convinced only when push comes to shove will demonstrate their loyalty to it. However, those who live for Christ, having been persecuted and martyred for the faith will live and reign with him at his return Revelation 20:4!
This is a hard thing. Who can stand?
In Hebrews 4:15 we’re told Christ was tempted in every way like us. These temptations to bow the knee to the world’s systems he has already defeated! While in the desert for 40 days, Satan tempted Christ first to satisfy his own physical desire for food. How many will trade a relationship with the creator of the universe for comforts far less tempting than food after 40 days in a desert? However, he knew there was something greater than satisfying that desire. He was then tempted with all the fame and fortune of the world, but Jesus understood the glory that belonged only to his father. Finally, he was encouraged to prove his conviction by jumping off the temple. He corrects Satan by explaining that its wrong to test God by demanding such signs.
There are many other places where Christ warns would-be followers how he will have no place to rest his head. How his message will turn family member against member. How they may have to give up family, friends, land, etc… How we should even consider those family relationships as “hatred” compared to our commitment to him (Luke 14:26). Like Paul, we can consider these present light afflictions unworthy of comparing next to the glory we will receive when Christ returns!
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
But what about the Vax?!
I’m guessing by now at least some readers are frustrated I haven’t spoken about the mark scare of the day, which is the coronavirus vaccines. If the decision to get the vaccine is made primarily on the perceived benefit to health considerations, then it certainly is nothing like the attitude that would lead one to get the mark. As long as it is seen as just another medical treatment to prime your system, it’s not some Satanic sign, and if you’re doing it because you believe it’s good for you then it’s not a compromise either.
However, as a matter between yourself and God, consider your motivations. If you were persuaded by pressure from others, keeping up appearances, and especially now that mandates are coming with restrictions to public places and employment, then you may have an unhealthy relationship with the things of this world. Nobody should be able to inform your conscience with threats, and all of those things should be something you should never feel you need.
If people are more concerned with making you agree to demands than informing your conscience you should never compromise, no matter how petty the demand may seem. No matter what events Revelation 13 may be referencing in history (past, present, or future), the test to the church laid out in it would be one that is failed by people too concerned about their own life to lose it. With a government waging war against the body and the ultimatum to demonstrate loyalty or be exiled from the economy, we would need to be ready to stand in our beliefs rather than compromise even an inch in the face of threats.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Don’t live to preserve and keep your comforts or avoid persecution. Live for God’s glory and righteousness. He’ll handle the rest (Matthew 6:33)! We are promised tribulation, and we have all we need to stand firm in our faith against a world that will try to tempt us, appeal to us, and coerce us to compromise. He has already overcome it all.
