Dec 21 Ezra 7:11-28, Ezra 8:1-14 – Revelation 13:1-18 – Psalm 145:13-21
Rev 13:7-8
Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.
Let’s be honest – this whole chapter, including this part that the beast is permitted to wage war against the saints (the church) and conquer them – that he is given authority over every nation – the mark of the beast – it’s all very scary stuff. It is, there is no denying that. This explains our obsession with it, we want to know the details because it scares us.
And that’s fair enough. But let’s not let that lead to obsession. We see through a glass darkly – we don’t know how this will all hold together.
But we do know this – and we must always remember this. Jesus is in control. Jesus will be victorious.
No matter how bad it gets, Jesus is victorious. The beast can only wage war because it’s permitted. He may be able to destroy the body, but not the soul.
Your future is in the kingdom of God. It’s a difficult road to the end, but the journey is worth it.
