Carri Lynne Pratt
The Mark of the Beast
Today's Reading: Revelation 14:9-13
"If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his
forehead or on his hand he also will drink the wine of God's wrath."
Revelation 14:9
At this time in the tribulation we read that the antichrist will be forcing people to take his mark on their forehead or on their hand. We read in Revelation 13:17 "no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name."
Think about that for a moment. What would you do if you couldn't get food for your family unless you took this mark upon you? The alternative, however, is terrifying: they "will drink the wine of God's wrath." Rev 14:9
There is then a warning from God for His children to stay strong and endure to the end, "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." Rev 14:12
This is excellent advice for our daily lives, to endure all things, keep God's commandments and hold fast to our faith in Jesus. We have many daily choices to make, some for or against the will of God. These often have no immediate consequence, but there are eternal consequences we just don't see. One day, however, those left on Earth will be forced to make a very difficult decision - to either do the right thing and immediately suffer or do the easy thing and perish.
Reflection: Who do I choose? Am I currently enduring for Jesus or giving in to make life easier?
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