Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: Revelation 17:8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to ascend from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the inhabitants of the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will be amazed when they see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.
Observation: This ‘beast’ is a significant contrast to Jesus. Jesus is described in Revelation as the one who was, and is, and is to come. The beast, by contrast, was, and is not, and is to come (though finally for the purpose of going to destruction). Also, Jesus is described as a “who” whereas the beast is described as an “it.”
Application: For all the fear-mongering in regard to Revelation, the basic message is really quite simple: worship God—for in this God is true hope. Worshiping anyone or anything else brings nothing but a false sense of security. Or, as Len Sweet profoundly tweeted this morning: “When Jesus is in first place, all of life falls into place, and no one ever need feel misplaced.”
Prayer: Lord, help us all to keep you and serving you as the focus of our attention and devotion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(readings today included Revelation 15-18)
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