Thursday, December 22

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

“Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

(‭‭Revelation‬ ‭13:11-17‬)

This text highlights the dangers of following the world's wonders.  These two beasts set themselves against God's purposes, but they deceived the inhabitants of the earth who had not given their lives into Christ's hands.  As a result, this deception leads to their dehumanization and ultimately their destruction.

The passage begs the question, "How may we avoid this type of deception?  Or, positively, how may we stand with God through times of temptation?"  These thoughts directed me to the accounts of Daniel and his three friends.  Despite their standing in the spotlight around Babylonian leadership, they disobeyed man's directives in order to honor God's.  Like Moses, these men illustrated the better choice of associating with Christ instead of choosing the pleasures of sin, taking instead the disgrace of Christ as superior to the treasures of Egypt.  Paul mentioned that he considered everything a "loss" for the sake of knowing Christ.

Why would Moses, Daniel and his friends, and Paul take such an attitude?  How could they stick with their decisions in light of the challenging circumstances that would come as a result?  Simply put, they saw the beauty of the reward (God Himself and knowing Him) and received strength from their protectors and guides (God Himself, through the Person of the Holy Spirit).  We will do well to follow their example and focus our thoughts and hearts in a similar direction.

How has God touched Your heart recently?  How could you commit yourself to hearing His voice more frequently this holiday season and in the coming year?  Would you like to know God more deeply?  Please consider continuing the journey of reading through the Scriptures in 2017 (or even getting started over the next 10 days).

Many blessings to you for a very Merry Christmas!

Lord God, thank You for providing godly examples of overcoming the world's threats.  Give us strength to choose standing with You over anything else.  We need a deeper revelation of Your Presence and love in our lives.  Prepare us for the wonder of Christmas and protect our time to honor and worship You.  We give You our lives and hearts today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.