As we study the Book of Revelation, chapter 13, there are still a lot of unknowns here. #1, if what is happening here is after the seven trumpets have sounded or not. #2 Who are the beasts that are mentioned? Now, for this study, we will look at the first beast, who got his power from Satan, the dragon. He is like unto a person with ten horns, that had ten crowns, so he is somebody very high up and well esteemed by the people. However, we know that because he is influenced by Satan, he also blasphemes God in what he wears, lives his life, and speaks to people. We do know that his same man was wounded but then recovered, which the people raved about there being nobody like him. All this is written in the following verses… “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4) It would be nice to know who this person is. It sounds like Hitler, but since this is happening in the tribulation time, that means we will all find out his name very soon.
This man was given power from Satan himself. And the sad thing is, because of how corrupt the world is, his blasphemous words to God were not even looked at by the majority of the people as bad. He knew that God lives in the heavens, where his tabernacle is also, but spoke against Him still. His whole goal is to eliminate the saints from the earth through war and persecution. And so he does this and those on his side are unsaved, whose names are not in the book of life. All this is written as we continue to read. “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:5-10) If you are on earth at this time, make sure you are on the right side, which is God. Following a person or other gods will only lead to destruction and hell. Choose Jesus and follow Him for salvation. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will give me wisdom that is beyond my understanding. There are so many mysteries in the Bible that I need answers to. I read Your words daily, in order to better understand them and to teach them to others. It is my prayer that Your mysteries will be unfolded unto me. Little by little, give me more and more understanding. Just like pastors who need to understand the Bible through the Holy Spirit, lead me the same way. Help me and others in the faith be led by You at all times who are pastors, elders, teachers, evangelists, and other leaders in church and outside those walls. We need Your wisdom, in order to be strong in the faith and not go astray. I rely on You being my guide in order to know what is right in this wicked world and cling to what is good. Truly, what we see in this world is evil, where most people cling to what is bad. Good and evil have been flipped upside down, which is very sad. Abortion is seen as ok for women to do with their bodies, although babies are murdered. The LGBTQ have their own pride months and festivals, where good people are turning to this abomination unknowingly. We got the Bible and prayer being removed from schools, which is making more people atheists than not. I truly hate what is happening, for it blasphemes Your good name in so many ways, God. As You hate what is evil, I have learned to do the same. Not the person, but the wicked acts that follow. Keep me ever in Your light and love. I love You, Lord. Amen.