Scripture Reading: Revelation 13:11-18
A second beast appears in Revelation 13, "exercising all the authority of the first beast . . . and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast" (Rev 13:12). This beast is called the 'false prophet' in Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10. This title suggests that he will bring a religious element to the kingdom of the antichrist. He will have the power to do supernatural acts (Rev 13:13-15).
The combination of a political, militaristic leader and an ecumenical religious leader will be a potent force in galvanizing the earth's population. Coercion to worship the antichrist will be used in the form of economic boycott (Rev 13:16,17) and threat of death (Rev 13:15).
In the face of such global, open, rebellion against God, what happens in chapter 14 stands out as a remarkable display of God's grace. There is a description of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, who were first mentioned in chapter 7. Then there is the appearance of three angels who bring to the earth a message of warning and life. To the whole earth one angel declares, "Fear God and give Him glory . . . worship Him who made heaven and earth" (Rev 14:7).
In the face of undisguised disdain for the true and living God, He patiently and mercifully holds out the gracious offer of life in Christ. People continue to refuse God's love. It is to be dying of thirst and still to refuse the outstretched hand of God, holding a cup of the water of life.
