Revelation 13 DEVO: The Beasts

Chapter 13:
Ok, it’s a big fight, it’s round 2, and the bell has rung. In this chapter we are presented with two “beasts.”
The Beast out of the Sea (1-10): This is the “antichrist”, the false messiah, who is given political power (seen in description) and spoken of in 1 John 2:18. “One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” This world leader will be powered by Satan, will deceive, be seen as a savior and be loved by all for the first half of the tribulation period. He will be proud, arrogant and will speak against God and His people. “This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.”
The Beast out of the Earth (11-18): This second beast is elsewhere called the “false prophet” (16:13, 19:20, 20:10) and is given power to do miracles, but “Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth.” Now we’ve gone from a savior of a leader to being forced to follow him or die! “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……666.” People will now be forced to take the mark or starve! This mark identifies you with Satan and against God!
SO WHAT?!
*When was the last time you were tricked or deceived? Truth is, most of us have bought into something only to find out later we’d been tricked. It’s livable if it involves a purchase or duty. Buy when our soul is on the line, we’d better know the truth! How are you and I preparing so that we won’t be deceived? Best way spot a counterfeit is to regularly spend time in the REAL thing – God’s Word, and with the Author! Are you?
*Jesus told us this would happen in Matthew 24: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.”