Watching the economic chaos engulf the world and observing the leaders of nations working valiantly to keep our financial systems from total collapse, I remember those scary sermons about "End Times" that were a staple of my growing up years. We were warned that the Lord's return would be preceded by the unveiling of a "World Government" that would gain its power primarily through economic control. The head of that government, nicknamed 'the Anti-Christ,' would insist on his mark being fixed on our right hand or forehead and any who aligned themselves with his demonic schemes would be doomed. The whole scenario seemed awfully far-fetched at the time. Now, not so much! Here in these United States, we are ceding huge chunks of our personal liberties to the 'government' as long as the President promises to make us safe and secure. The whole country - citizens, towns, states, institutions - is so dependent on Washington's largesse we gladly allow our leaders to do things unthinkable even a decade ago as long as they promise to protect our way of life.
The world is a community like never before. Europe has become a defacto state with the various nations sharing a common currency, a common constitution, and a common justice system. A hiccup in Asia reverberates in London! A terrorist sheik holed up in a cave in remote mountains in Pakistan has held the United States in mesmerized fear now for nearly ten years! We are inter-connected in ways that even futurists of the 1960's could not foresee. Without being overly dramatic, I can more readily conceive a not-so-distant day when the nations of this world would readily accept the authority of a world leader if he could promise to restore economic stability, settle ancient disputes, and produce an era of prosperity.
Revelation speaks of that day. John writes, "Then I saw a beast (Anti-Christ) rising up out of the sea. (a Biblical metaphor for the nations) It had seven heads and ten horns, with ten crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. ... The whole world worshiped the dragon (The Devil) for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. "Who is as great as the beast?" they exclaimed. "Who is able to fight against him?" Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God. And he was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. ... And the beast was allowed to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. ... This means that God's holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful. ...
He required everyone-small and great, rich and poor, free and slave-to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666." (Revelation 13, NLT)
"Jerry, you're freaking me out!"
Disciple, do not fear. God is greater than world systems, greater than persecution, greater than anything Evil can bring against us. I've read the end of the book, too. The promises are wonderful, all encompassing, and sure.
"Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns." (Revelation 19:11-12, NLT) Jesus Christ is not defeated. He will come to reign and His power will prevail.
"Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast-miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (Revelation 19:19-20, NLT)
Here's a word from the Word. Let it's wonder saturate your mind and heart so you will be bold in the work of God. Ponder it prayerfully today.
"On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (Remember that Biblical metaphor for the nations?) Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
(Luke 21:25-28, NIV)
I am glad I am a child of the King. Aren't you glad you know Him, too?
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