As we open up chapter 13 in the book of Revelation, the first ten verses introduce us to yet another strange creature, this one having ten horns and seven heads. According to John's rather bizarre description of this beast, it had the features of a bear, a lion and a leopard. And John's vision only gets stranger from there. But one of the worst part of these first ten verses is their portrayal of this beast's dealings with those who have any association with God. This will include those who have come to faith in Christ during the days of the tribulation, as well as the Jews who are alive during those days. This beast will be given great power and authority by Satan, and he will rule over every tribe and people and language and nation. And all who dwell on the earth will bow down and worship this beast. And for all those who choose not to do so, he will make their lives a literal hell on earth, with many of them suffering death as a result. And strangely, in the midst of it all, John hears a call for the saints who are alive in those days to endure and maintain their faith. They must keep their trust in God and not allow the circumstances surrounding them to distract or dissuade them from their belief in God's promise to right all wrongs, restore His creation, and return His Son to earth as the conquering King of kings and Lord of lords.
