Revelation 12:18 - 13:10
Notes
Transcript
Would you stand for the reading of God’s word? We look to Revelation 12:18-13:10
Revelation 12:18–13:10 (CSB)
The dragon stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names. The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority. One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed.
The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”
The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme his name and his dwelling—those who dwell in heaven. And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen. If anyone is to be taken captive, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed with a sword, with a sword he will be killed. This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints.
Pray with me. Go ahead and have a seat.
-
-
What is it that keeps people from calling out evil when they see something evil? What leads us to give in to certain pressures, but to resist others?
Those kinds of questions are too lofty - let’s bring it down a bit closer to reality.
Why did Christians for so long not only tolerate, but propagate the Atlantic slave trade? They were reading the same Bible that has lead Christians since the early Church to fight for abolition, but many gave into the evil of slavery. Why?
Why did the large majority of Christian Pastors in Germany during the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich do nothing and say nothing when the Nazis were proclaiming and instituting such obvious evils?
What leads some institutions, business, churches even, to defend and lie for leaders and pastors who commit great harm or abuse? They know that it’s wrong, but they don’t say anything. Why?
Tim Dwyer in his work on Revelation says one of the reasons is we tend to defend the systems that give us “cookies” or benefits. Or, we don’t bite the hand that feeds us.
We can read through the passages of Scripture like the one we are in and we can get really overwhelmed by the images. We can devote ourselves to endless speculation on who is what and when is this - and in doing so completely miss the questions that the Holy Spirit wants to stir in our hearts to lead us to faithful following of Jesus.
While we need to ask good questions of this text, and we will. We need to not miss the forest for the trees. We need to make sure we feel the text and let it sink into our bones.
Revelation 13, both these first 10 verses, and the next 8 which we will get into next week - really are driving at a deep question: in the words of Tim Dwyer: “How do the systems in which we are embedded drive us, blind us, and compromise us? How much do we love the world?”
We often say that we are supposed to be in the world, but not of the world - but we don’t often recognize how difficult that is! And Satan is tricky! And the world is tempting. And if I’m honest, the flesh is weak.
I think of Crown College, where I attended for my undergrad and met Ariana - it is one of our denominations colleges and honestly I loved it. But one of the things you have to do when you attend there is sign a community covenant. It’s a document where you agree that, well when I was a student, you would abide by Scripture, no sex before marriage, no drinking, no watching R-Rated movies, while you are a student at Crown. And I remember friends saying how legalistic that a document like that was - like sure save sex for marriage, but drinking and R-Rated movies? Come on!
And in decades past, the covenant used to be much more robust. It used to include no playing cards, no movie theaters at all, no dancing, and much more.
While it’s good to get read of legalism - sometimes I think we got rid of all the guardrails and just jumped straight into all the filth in the world without any regard to how it will form us and drown us. So we watch the movies, play the games, we get comfortable in this place.
Satan tends to keep us so busy and distracted, and yes HAPPY and stimulated, so that we never really slow down to realize all the ways that we are being poisoned.
We would do well to ask ourselves questions to drive at the core of things, and I’m getting these again from Tim Dwyer, but questions like:
“What do I rely on for my security or protection?” “What makes me feel powerful?” “Where do I find my community?” “What sorts of things or ideas is my community centered around?” “What in my life wastes money that could otherwise go to the poor or other forms of the Lord’s work?” “Where is my delight located?” “Is my joy actually in the Lord?” “What evil have i closed my eyes to in my hobbies and the ways I spend my time, attention, and resources?” “At the end of the day, who or what is really my god?”
Those are uncomfortable questions - but ones we need to ask in order to push back against satan’s siren call.
Pushing back and resisting the work of the devil is what is in view in this passage, which in a lot of ways a continuation of last weeks, for the dragon we were introduced to, who is satan, pursues the woman into the desert to fight her, and we start with him finding an agent. The beast from the sea. Let’s look at 12:18-13:3a
Revelation 12:18–13:3 (CSB)
The dragon stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names. The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority. One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed.
The dragon, satan, stands on the beach, and out of the sea comes a beast. We will be introduced to another beast next week, but this one comes from the sea.
The sea was a fascinating concept in the Old Testament, and GK Beale writes that without exception the imagery of the sea monster is used to represent evil kingdoms that persecute God’s people. So this is calling to mind that same imagery,
and Goes back to Daniel chapter 7, where John seems to use a lot of imagery. In Daniel 7:3-7 Daniel sees four beasts rise from the sea. Let me read that for you just so you have it in mind
Daniel 7:3–7 (CSB)
Four huge beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion but had eagle’s wings. I continued watching until its wings were torn off. It was lifted up from the ground, set on its feet like a man, and given a human mind.
“Suddenly, another beast appeared, a second one, that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up! Gorge yourself on flesh.’ After this, while I was watching, suddenly another beast appeared. It was like a leopard with four wings of a bird on its back. It had four heads, and it was given dominion.
“After this, while I was watching in the night visions, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, frightening and dreadful, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and it trampled with its feet whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.
And in Daniel, all of these were to apparently come before the the arrival of the Son of Man, and the fourth beast would terrorize the faithful for three and half years.
And we know that they represented kingdoms, not actual monsters.
In Revelation, looking back at Revelation 12:18-13:3a
Revelation 12:18–13:3 (CSB)
The dragon stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names. The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority. One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed.
John seems to be taking this image from Daniel, and making a composite of all those in Daniel, this sea beast is all of the four in Daniel in some terrible combination.
Satan gives the beast it’s power, and authority. so this is a satanic beast.
Now before we get to the wound - let’s take a step back. We’ve gotten to a part of revelation where people start throwing out the term Antichrist. For verse 3, where it talks about the fatal wound, but it was healed, has led many to speculate that there will be a world leader who will endure some fatal assassination attempt, and come back, and therefore we will know that they are the anti-Christ.
A couple notes: first, the term anti-Christ does not appear in the work of Revelation. So we need to be careful with that term in how it applies to the current setting. That term is only explicitly mentioned in 1 and 2 John, and the man of lawlessness which some correlate with anti-christ is in 2 Thessalonians.
Second, it is clear that this beast, in line with the imagery with Daniel, is too be considered a kingdom, not an individual.
So before we start speculating about the who is this beast? let’s slow down - as that’s not usually the most helpful pursuit when it comes to following jesus through the hardship into salvation.
We’re called in revelation to be overcomers, overcoming just as JEsus did. Not apocalyptic puzzle-solvers who are going to understand their way out of any tribulation.
So what is this fourth beast? It seems most contextually honest to see first the Roman Empire as this beast. Craig Keener notes that jewish writings at this time understood that fourth beast in Daniel as Rome. And let’s remember - the Roman empire under Nero in the 60’s AD killed Paul, and Peter, and tons more Christians. And if Revelation was written at the end of the first Century - which is how I would date it, then Domitian is the emperor and is demanding people worship him as god or they can’t participate in the markets. That’s pretty dang beastly, no?
But the image goes beyond Just Rome - because remember this is a composite of all four beasts from Daniel - so it likely the image goes WAY beyond just Rome itself into any threat of an evil empire that violates its God-given job as described in Romans 13.
There are many times throughout history where we see evil empires rise, and destroy. And in many churches we see evil come in and destroy. THAT IS the Spirit of the anti-Christ, I think of 1 John 2:18-23, We get the best description of the anti-Christ
Children, it is the last hour. And as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. By this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us.
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This one is the antichrist: the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well.
We know we are living in the last hour, due to the fact that many anti-Christs have come. So we shouldn’t focus on just the one that at the end of time - but in how Satan is seeking to destroy us NOW.
As for the wound that appeared fatal - this is interesting to look at. I think first and foremost we ARE to see a mockery of Jesus. Jesus didn’t just appear to killed on the cross - he WAS killed on the cross.
And it reveals the satanic nature of the beast - remember - When Jesus ascended, Satan was dealt a death blow. He has no more access to the throne - he can’t accuse us, and the redeemed are secure in Christ. AND YET he now prowls around looking to devour.
The beast is being set up as a parody of Christ in revelation. Beale looks at the following parallels between Christ and the Beast;
both are slain and have new life (5:6 and 13:3)
both have followers with their names written on their foreheads (13:16 and 14:1)
both have horns (5:6 and 13:1)
both have authority over “tribe, tongue, people, nation” (5:9; 7:9 and 13:7; 17:12)
both receive worldwide worship (5:8-14 and 13:4,8)
both have a final coming - one to eternal victory the other to eternal destruction (17:7-18)
The figure behind all this - throughout all time is the devil. It isn’t limited to one person or epoch.
Now let’s be clear - that isn’t to say there wont be a final anti-christ figure at the end of time - but I don’t think that is in view here. We are called, with the original audience to realize how corrupt the world is and choose to be faithful to God rather than Babylon or Rome.
There is so much we can get into in this section over how the Emperor nero fits into this equation even more, but alas, we only have so much time, so we will save some of that till next week.
Let’s carry on and see how the beast is received. 13:3b-4
Revelation 13:3–4 (CSB)
The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”
The sea beast is cunning - and people are drawn to his power - so they are amazed, and follow. And it leads them to worship the dragon! who is satan1 And the beast. And notice their phrase: who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?” this is a mockery of the words used about God in the OT in Exodus, the Psalms, Isaiah, and more Where Yahweh is set as more powerful than the fake gods. Here the people of the earth think that the beast, this satanic empire is the most powerful - and therefore we don’t need anything else.
Verses 5-8
The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme his name and his dwelling—those who dwell in heaven. And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
The most important things to note in this section - is notice how things are limited, given, and decreed - not by the dragon or the beast - but by God. The beast is allowed to excercise authority - but only for those forty 2 months again (which to my reading stands for the time inbetween the ascenion of Christ and the second advent of Christ). It was permitted to wage war against the saints - it was given authority.
BUT only those not found in the the book of life will worship it. Meaning the faithful are called to see the truth, and to resist. But John knows that this is hard - last two verses.
Revelation 13:9–10 (CSB)
If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen. If anyone is to be taken captive, into captivity he goes. If anyone is to be killed with a sword, with a sword he will be killed. This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints.
This is a sober reminder to the early christians, and also us: we aren’t to gain victory through worldly power, coercion and the like. We are to be faithful! to what? think of last week: how are we to overcome and conquer?
By the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.
By clinging to the gospel, and proclaiming the gospel.
It will be tempting. no IT IS tempting, to see people who live in the world, operate in the ways of the world, and achieve great success, and wealth, and fame - but that IS NOT the goal, nor is it the way of eternal life.
We are called to endure, and be faithful - even to the point of great persecution, captivity, and even death.
That makes a lot of sense to Christians going through the thick of it. For the believers in Asia minor going through a time of emperor worship and real pressure to compromise.
For our brothers and sisters around the globe living under truly despicable rulers. Our brothers and sisters in the middle east, who when baptized endure real risk of martyrdom. Believers in china who can’t even talk to each other outside of sundays to keep each other safe.
But what does that mean for us today, who enjoy great freedom, wealth, prosperity, and influence? Who can gather on Sundays, open up a christian coffeeshop. publish worship songs. And enjoy tons of benefits?
In other words:
So What?
So What?
I think back to how we started our sermon this morning - what leads some who follow christ to do great evil or to complacency?
Here’s the reality - evil that looks evil is rarely the problem. It’s the evil that is cloaked in goodness and biblical language. It’s the evil that promises (and even delivers) real benefits to those who compromise that lead us to endure and tolerate more and more evil.
So the question is what does resistance look like for us?
Let’s make no mistake - Satan used Babylon, Satan used Rome, Satan used the Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany - but Satan also uses our own government. Satan will use ANYTHING he can to lead people astray and to persecute believers.
Now we are in a season where, even though we are moving in a post christian direction, our country allows so much freedom for believers - and it’s truly great. In fact, there seems to be a resurgence of young men coming to faith in Christ in a truly remarkable way! All of that is good news, and we should praise God.
But that doesn’t mean satan isn’t working and scheming. People typically don’t realize they are being deceived while they are deceived, right? And I think Satan’s strategy in our lives right now has much more to do with keeping us busy, distracted, stimulated, and also to make us covetous, greedy, discontent. That way we strive after the american dream, more gold, more happy, more and more and more,
without realizing that in Christ we have been given access to the kingdom of God. Life Eternal. And we get to enjoy life with God, life with each other, forgiveness of sins, like true joy,
And yet - we are tempted to do literally every thing and anything else but pursue God. Satan is cunning.
We need to be alert to how our allegiances are getting played.
And that requires us to slow down, and to count the cost, and to see how we are being formed, or malformed.
I want to go back to the questions I started with from Tim Dwyer, let me read these again for us:
“What do I rely on for my security or protection?” “What makes me feel powerful?” “Where do I find my community?” “What sorts of things or ideas is my community centered around?” “What in my life wastes money that could otherwise go to the poor or other forms of the Lord’s work?” “Where is my delight located?” “Is my joy actually in the Lord?” “What evil have i closed my eyes to in my hobbies and the ways I spend my time, attention, and resources?” “At the end of the day, who or what is really my god?”
Like we need to slow down and hear form God in this.
We need to pray with the psalmist Psalm 139:23-24
Psalm 139:23–24 (CSB)
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.
So what? So - we need to stop, and hear these words from God, and ask - in what ways am I tempted to follow the beast rather than the lamb? Where is my hope truly found?
And then to walk in faith - follow Jesus.
That means - confession that he is Lord. and put into practice the things that will promote a flourishing life with God. Church, community groups, prayer, Scripture, and so much more.
Just like Christ in the wilderness, Satan will come to us time and time again and offer us something shiny and great all in exchange for just a bit of worship.
We, like adam and eve our spiritual mother and father, stand at the tree, with Satan coiled around it, and we have to ask the question: will we choose to trust God, listen and obey, and therefore eat from the tree of life? Or do we want to make ourselves a god, and we with satan choose whats right and wrong - and ultimately sow destruction.
Phrased like that - it’s easy - I want life!
But it gets harder when we start talking about how we spend time, how we spend money.
I don’t want to lie to you at all - following Christ is going to be difficult. It’s going to hurt. And you are going to have to choose the hard good over and over agian. But here’s what I know - it’s worth it. Eternal life. Abundant joy. full satisfaction in God, forever.
So don’t give in to the beast. Resist. Endure. and be faithful in Christ.
Would you stand and pray with me?
