26/12/2025
*DAILY LIVING DEVOTIONAL*
*December 26*
*The Beasts and the Lamb*
*Today's Reading* Revelation 13-15
_Then I looked, and behold—there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. Gathered with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads._ *Revelation 14:1*
In chapter 13 two other beasts emerge. John sees the first beast rising from the sea. He is like the dragon (12:3), with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on his horns and blasphemous names on its heads (13:1). The dragon who is Satan gave his power, his throne and great authority (13:3) to this beast. The beast attracted and demanded worship instead of giving it to God. So, this beast was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.
It uttered blasphemy against God and all who dwell in heaven, could make war on the saints (believers in Jesus) and to conquer them temporarily. Remember he was overcome eternally by the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb (12:11). Was also given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation, and everyone who dwell on earth, (13:7). This is the right opposite of Christ hence the anti-Christ.
First John 2:18 tells us that he the anti-Christ is coming. And as such there has been speculations of who this man is or even where he will come from. Certain world leaders have been speculated as the ones but have died and the end has not come. He will be known exactly once he shows up.
We are told he will fight the Saints, meaning when he shows up not only will he demand worship but will fight all those who oppose him or refuse to worship him.
He will mark his own on their foreheads or hands with the number 666. This will be a unique identifier of his own. No one will be allowed to buy or sell without this mark. This mark is the name or number of this beast. Christians are not to take this mark but will have a different mark (14:1).
Then the second beast will appear. This beast will fight from within the church unlike the first (the anti-Christ) who will be a political figure and world leader fighting from outside. It appears like a lamb with two horns but speaks like a dragon (13:11). It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast (13:12). "It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth…" (13:13, 14). This will be the false prophet. Performing miracles by the power given him by the first beast (satan, the dragon). And will begin to push both small and great to be marked with the number (666) of the first beast.
In chapter 14 John sees Jesus Christ the Lamb with 144,000 marked with the Lamb and His Father's name written on their foreheads (14:1). These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women for they are virgins, they follow the Lamb wherever He goes, have been redeemed as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and are blameless, never lied before (14:4, 5).
He moves on to talk about three angels and their messages. Then a third angel followed them, shouting, “Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.” (14:9-11).
We also see a beatitude, "Blessed are the dead who die in the LORD from now on" (14:13). Used a lot in funerals now though referring from that time on probably to those dying in the tribulation.
*Prayer:*
Lord may my eyes continually be open to You. May I know the times and seasons I am living in. Help me to remain faithful to You in Jesus name. Amen
*Thought:* Do you I know Jesus enough that I cannot be deceived?