Monday, December 18

I refuse!

Scripture: Revelation 13

Revelation 13:10 

10 If anyone is meant for captivity, 

into captivity he will go. 

If anyone is to be killed by the sword, 

then by the sword he must be killed. 

This requires steadfast endurance and faith from the saints.

Observation

Revelation 13 is a hard chapter. The beast wages war against the saints and conquers them. And everyone in the world worships the beast except for those whose “names have been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed.”

John adds this note: “This requires steadfast endurance and faith from the saints.” 

Steadfast endurance (GK hupomone) refers to the ability to patiently bear up under great stress or suffering. And faith, of course, is deep trust in God. 

How will believers survive this time of intense persecution, when they alone in all the world will refuse to bend the knee to the beast? By steadfast endurance and faith. Trust God and stand strong. Refuse to cave in to the pressure. 

Application

I refuse.

I refuse to bend my knee to the beast. 

I don’t know how or when this prophecy will be fulfilled. Many think it is futuristic, describing the final reign of the anti-christ before Jesus returns. It’s also true that every age, every culture faces its own representation of the beast—satanic-inspired anti-God persons or institutions that war against God’s Kingdom. Certainly we’re all engaged in spiritual warfare and face temptations to follow or worship other gods: self (#1 by a mile), pleasure, sex, money, power, etc. 

This year, I have lost long-time friends who bent the knee to someone or something other than Jesus. Heart breaking. It also makes me more determined than ever to stay close to Jesus, listen and follow, do what He says. Steadfast endurance and faith. Refuse to cave!

Prayer: Jesus, You know the pressures we face on every side, and the temptations to bow and worship someone or something other than You. Strengthen me with steadfast endurance and faith so that I stand firm. 

More: Micah 5-7, John 8