Everyday Life in Revelation: Part 7 Cosmic WarsShembull

In today’s passage, we see many people shall fall to their knees in worship of this beast. This is a reference to what happened in John’s day. John seems to be alluding to the worship of Rome’s emperors. We should not limit this warning to history. Today, we see leaders expecting their people’s complete devotion and servitude. Overtly or subtlety, these leaders expect the worship of all their citizenry. We also must recognize governments that provide for their citizen’s needs as trying to substitute themselves for God, even if they do not demand the explicit worship of their people.

While we are expected to be model citizens, we must add to our society. We must pay our taxes. We must honor the law and live at peace with those around us. In doing this, we cannot give undue authority or power to the government authorities over us. We cannot give these entities the honor that only God is due. We respect and honor civil authorities in leadership positions and influence over us. We worship the living God through the persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Finally, please note that the beast from the sea has no inherent authority. He must get permission to wage war. Ultimately, this occurs under the superintendence of our sovereign God. The enemies of God’s people are fierce, but it is comforting to know they are on God’s leash. They can go no farther than the Lord has permitted, for they are not equal in power or authority to Him. Because they cannot do more than God allows, we know they cannot finally defeat the church and that the Lord will use their evil attacks for our good and His glory. Let us take comfort, hope, and strength in knowing this truth.