Scripture Reading: Revelation 13:1-10
Much of the focus of Revelation is on what God will doing on the earth during the time of tribulation. The holy Judge will pour out His righteous justice on the inhabitants of the earth, in a series of horrendous, global judgments. In Revelation 12-14, however, the focus is on what Satan will be doing on the earth during the tribulation.
Chapter 13 introduces us to two new figures … the antichrist (Rev 13:1-10) and the false prophet (Rev 13:11-18). Along with the devil, these three form a kind of unholy 'trinity'. The antichrist and the false prophet seem to be human beings, which arise during the time of tribulation and preside over a kingdom with global influence. These figures are both described as being 'beasts' … perhaps suggesting the brute power and ravenous desires of darkness. They are agents by whom Satan carries out his war against believers and leads unbelievers into a settled rebellion against God.
God grants authority to the antichrist to "make war on the saints and to conquer them" (Rev 13:7). This chapter makes clear that everything that transpires is according to a plan, laid down before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8). What is on display here is the endurance of Christians, willing to give up their lives for the honor of the name of Christ. The fury of Satan will be overcome by the King and His children.
