And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast. Revelation 13:4.
“He had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” Though professing to be followers of the Lamb of God, men become imbued with the spirit of the dragon. They profess to be meek and humble but they speak and legislate with the spirit of Satan, showing by their actions that they are the opposite of what they profess to be. This lamb-like power unites with the dragon in making war upon those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. And Satan unites with Protestants and Papists, acting in consort with them as the god of this world, dictating to men as if they were the subjects of his kingdom, to be handled and governed and controlled as he pleases. If men will not agree to trample under foot the commandments of God, the spirit of the dragon is revealed. They are imprisoned, brought before councils, and fined. “He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” “He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” Thus Satan usurps the prerogatives of Jehovah. The man of sin sits in the seat of God, proclaiming himself to be God, and acting above God.
There is a marked contrast between those who bear the seal of God and those who worship the beast and his image. The Lord’s faithful servants will receive the bitterest persecution from false teachers, who will not hear the word of God, and who prepare stumbling blocks to put in the way of those who would hear. But God’s people are not to fear. Satan cannot go beyond his limit. The Lord will be the defense of His people. He regards the injury done to His servants for the truth’s sake as done to Himself. When the last decision has been made, when all have taken sides, either for Christ and the commandments or for the great apostate, God will arise in His power, and the mouths of those who have blasphemed against Him will be forever stopped. Every opposing power will receive its punishment.
Maranatha p. 191
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for the Christians who are being martyred for their faith. Carol
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Dear Friends,
My grandfather told me many stories about trains when I was a little girl as he had wanted to be an engineer. Our next-door neighbor was a fireman for the railroad. One of my favorite things to do was line some old wooden chairs in a line and pretend I was the engineer. My mother and I often took the train to Chicago, Grand Rapids, or Detroit to go to museums or to do some shopping. Those huge steam locomotives fascinated me. I felt comfortable around them. I looked forward to any time I could be around them. Since we lived north of the tracks, any time we went to town, we had to cross the tracks right by the depot. I was always happy if a train was at the station.
One day, when I was seven, my mother and I were walking to town. At the station, a very strange-looking train was stopped. I was very surprised and wondered what kind of locomotive it could possibly be. I noticed the engineer watching me. Just as I walked in front of the train, he sounded the horn. It was not the comforting sound of a steam locomotive, but a long, loud, unfriendly blast of sound.
That sound terrified me! I jumped up in the air, whirled around, and ran towards home as fast as my chubby legs could carry me. It took my mother two blocks before she caught me. She explained that that strange-looking engine was a new kind that I would be seeing more and more often. After she got me calmed down, we walked back to the tracks and crossed them. I noticed that the engineer was still laughing heartily.
Paul says, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Cor 10:14 “Flee also youthful lusts”2 Tim 2:22 “Flee fornication.” 1 Cor 6:18 When tempted to do any wrong, do we run away from that temptation just instantly, just as fast as I ran when the engineer blew that unfamiliar whistle.
When the evil one terrifies us, we can claim our Great Protector’s promise, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isa 41:10 “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10: 13 Often our way of escape is to, “resist the devil, and, if we do, we have the promise “he will flee from you.” James 4:7
May the Holy Spirit help us to recognize temptation and empower us to flee from it. May we, when the enemy of souls terrifies us with his blasts, may we run to Jesus, our Protector, Comfort, and Strength. May we hide His Word in our hearts that we might not sin against God is my prayer. (Ps 119:11)
Rose
Satan and the Threefold Union