Whatever all the symbolic imagery means with its dragon and beast and 2nd beast, there are problems in store for God’s people.
It [the beast] was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. ll inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world (7-8).
With these words Saturday’s theme is repeated. The Devil will be coming after God’s people. It is one thing to be warned, but what should we do?
Answer, brace ourselves… “If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.” This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people (10).
Yes, brace ourselves… This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
This may not be the most comforting answer but it is a real one. When hardships come that test our faith –directly and indirectly –hold on, endure, stay faithful. What you are going through is no surprise to the Lord. God was not caught off guard. He knows and somehow His plan is working out. Salvation is still ours. Attacks and problems are not indicators that we are bad, or deficient. In fact, it may just be happening because we are faithful.
Discipleship costs in the here and now, but its rewards are great beyond what we can imagine.
The story of the Revelation is not over. God wins and we win if we stand faithfully with Him. And [t]his calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
Lord, give me strength to have the patient endurance to finish my race honoring You, service You and being faithful to You and YOU alone. Through Jesus, the Lamb, who was slain, I pray. Amen.
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