REVELATION 13:11-15
by Mako Kato
Read Revelation 13:11-15
The first beast rose out of the sea; the second beast rose out of the earth. The second beast completes what some have called the unholy trinity. Later on, in Revelation 16:13, they are referred to as the dragon, the beast and the false prophet. (The second beast is the false prophet.) Just as Satan is copying the Trinity, so is the beast is copying Jesus. It says in verse 11 that the beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. The beast may have seemed good. He may have acted like a good teacher, but out of his mouth came blasphemy. Jesus warned against this beast and those like him in Matthew 24:24 when he says, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (ESV)
We read about the “great signs and wonders” the beast performed. He made fire come down from heaven and told the people to make an image of the first beast. He even was able to make the image of the beast speak. This second beast made everyone worship the first beast or die.
In 2 Thessalonians 2 we read a description of the first beast. It refers to him as the man of lawlessness who exalts himself and proclaims himself to be God, even taking his seat in the temple of God. The first beast is the Antichrist that the second beast directs worship towards.
So how does this apply to us today? What is the lesson in these beasts and mankinds’ response?
For that lets read in 2 Thessalonians:
“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” -2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV
This sounds a little harsh, but humans were given a choice: They could love the truth and be saved, or follow what was false and be condemned. Each of us are given that opportunity to believe. If you are reading this and have not believed in Jesus Christ, I hope that you will understand that Christ loved you and died for you.
Let’s close with the blessing in the final words of 2 Thessalonians 2.
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ESV
He loved us. He gave us eternal comfort. That is something the beast would never do. We can take refuge in the God who gave us grace.
