November 11, 2014
WE HOLD THE "TRUMP" CARD
Revelation 13:1–10
Sam Krug
Central Truth
A time will come when believers across the globe will face the greatest persecution in history, and true believers will endure by faith.
Key Verse | Revelation 13:9–10
If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
(Revelation 13:9-10)
Revelation 13:1–10
The First Beast
1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”
5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, 1 13:6 Or tabernacle that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. 2 13:7 Some manuscripts omit this sentence And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10
If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
Dive Deeper | Revelation 13:1–10
As I read these verses, I was quickly reminded of Dorothy's phrase from the Wizard of Oz, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" This passage replaces the lions, tigers, and bears with some freaky leopard/bear/lion combo and a mighty dragon. If you're anything like me, after reading this passage you found yourself asking, "What in the world is going on here!?" Be encouraged, weary travelers. Strange as it seems, these verses are a continuation of the overarching theme of Revelation -- you will endure suffering; but take heart, Jesus wins!
Revelation 13:1-10 gives a snapshot of what will likely be the most difficult season believers ever face. During a tumultuous seven-year period, the antichrist (the beast) will be given power from Satan (the dragon) to wreak destruction against believers. That's frightening! Unless of course, you know what will happen next.
Verse 9 breaks the flow of the story and says, "If anyone has an ear, let him hear." In other words, "LISTEN UP, TEAM!" You will face persecution, and you will face pain, but you can endure! Do you notice how the Bible says those believers will be able to endure? Through faith. The believers who live on the earth during this time will have faith that even though they are enduring suffering and even death, Jesus (and anyone on His team) will win in the end!
All of us regularly face trials and difficulties that can cause us to ask God, "Why?" While I don't know the specific answer to that question, I do know that at the end of the day God has a purpose for every single event of your life. He is at work, and even though today may be hard, those who have placed their faith in God will spend eternity with the Savior.
Isn't that incredible!? Isn't that encouraging!? We live in a fallen world and are guaranteed that we WILL experience pain; but dear friends, take heart, we know how it's all going to end!
Discussion Questions
1. What trials and difficulties have you been facing in your life recently?
2. Have you been "enduring" and "having faith" in God in the midst of those trials, or are you trusting in yourself?
3. What attitudes can you adopt that will help you endure suffering for Christ?
4. What promises of God can you run to in times of uncertainty and fear?
5. Will you make time today to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring to the point of death all across the globe?