REVELATION 13:16-18
by Mako Kato
Read Revelation 13:16-18
Everyone was forced to receive the mark of the beast, which is the name of the beast or it’s number. If they refused they couldn’t buy or sell anything.
We read in verse 15 that all who did not worship the beast would be killed. The mark was one way to distinguish between those who worshipped the beast and those who didn’t. Those who did not have the mark would be persecuted on this earth. It reminds me of the Star of David that the Nazis forced the Jews to wear. The Star identified one group and singled them out for persecution and death. In Revelation, not having the mark of the beast singles out Christians for persecution and death.
But the Christians held to the future hope of eternal life with Christ. In the terms of this world, being a Christian wouldn’t make sense if you wanted to stay alive. But there is so much more to this life than just staying alive. There is the peace that comes from knowing God and the future reward in haven. We don’t deserve the rewards, but God is gracious in giving them to us.
Sometimes the Christian life doesn’t make sense. Paul writes that if Christ didn’t rise from the dead, if life is only on this earth, we are to be pitied above all others, but he goes on to say, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” (1 Cor. 15:19 NIV) It is because of Christ’s death and resurrection that we live not for ourselves, but for God. In our self-centered culture that is a radical idea.
In the last days, those who follow the beast will bear his mark, but even today there is a distinction between those who believe in Christ, and those who do not follow Christ. As Christians we are not called to demonstrate who we are with Christian t-shirts, wristbands, and necklaces. We are called to live differently.
Paul writes:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12 NIV
When Christ returns I hope that there will be people worshipping with us who saw our lives, who saw Jesus in us, and decided to follow Christ. We can’t get anyone to believe in Jesus in and of ourselves, but if Christ chooses to and we are willing, He can do great things in and through us.
