Reading
SAA Notes
The Beast is identified with the secular world powers that are inimical to Christ and His Gospel – hence horns, crowns, leopards, thrones, authority over tribes, peoples, ethnic groups. Verses 8-10 contain the key – the Redeemer’s coming is this world’s death stroke. What is required of us?
SJA Notes
* Father God, please teach us from Your word today.
“Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.”
The times and events described in this passage will not be easy for God’s people.
It will seem as though the forces arrayed against God and His people are too powerful, too strong. They will do amazing things, great signs.
But what is the purpose here?
WORSHIP.
These powers want worship. They punish those who do not worship them.
In all of this there is a wonderful truth that is to envelop us,
“… Everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.”
God’s people have their names written in a book.
This book existed (with the names) before the world was made.
This is a book of life.
THE book of life. Jesus’ book (the Lamb slain).
And our names are in it.
Our worship of God will mean persecution. The powers that work against God and His people want our worship shifted from the Almighty.
But God has written our names in the book of life!
Hallelujah – If He is for us, who can be against us!
* Lord Above,
May our worship of You be true and pure this day and onwards, through the faith that You have gifted us, that You grow in us.
Amen Lord, Your will be done.
Amen.