Revelation - Week 24

Day 1 

The Mark

READ

Revelation 13:16-17

16 He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.

The false prophet will require everyone to have the mark of the beast. The mark will be placed on the right hand or on the forehead. Religion will then use economics to enforce its apostate views—no one will be able to buy or sell without having the mark. This will be the means of starving those who refuse to receive the mark and worship the beast. The mark will be “either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.”

REFLECT

Think of the believers in Jesus who will be forced to die for their faith for not receiving the mark and worship of the beast.

RESPOND

With a fellow believer, pray for friends and loved ones to trust in Jesus as Savior now so they will never have to face this terrible time.

Day 2

The Number

READ

Revelation 13:18

18 Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.

This verse says to let one “with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast.” Those with understanding have been endeavoring to do this for centuries and have suggested various possibilities. Often it seems to them to be someone or some group that is feared the most. It is unlikely anyone will know the true identity until the time comes.

REFLECT

Are you able to concentrate on the portions of the Bible you understand without spending an inordinate time trying to comprehend what is not understandable?

RESPOND

Talk with a Christian friend about being more concerned with a relationship with Jesus now than with what may occur in the future. Read 1 John 2:18-23 to see there are many now who are against Christ (antichrists) even though they are not the Antichrist of the future.

Day 3

Standing on Mount Zion

READ

Revelation 14:1-2

1 Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together.

The apostle John continues to see the vision revealed to him. The Lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ and Mount Zion is earthly Jerusalem. This seems to be looking ahead to the reign of Jesus on earth. The 144,000 are the ones mentioned in Revelation 7. These have the name of Jesus and His heavenly Father’s name written on their foreheads. John hears a loud sound from heaven like the sound of many harpists playing together.

REFLECT

The scene has switched from the horrors brought on by the Antichrist and the false prophet to worship of the Lamb of God. Do you sometimes draw away from other distractions and think only of what the Lord Jesus has done for you?

RESPOND

Focus on the Lord Jesus and what He has done for you by dying in your place, being buried and rising again from the dead. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-9 to be reminded of these truths and the eyewitnesses who saw Jesus after His resurrection.

Day 4

A Wonderful New Song

READ

Revelation 14:3-5

3 This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. 5 They have told no lies; they are without blame.

Notice that only the 144,000 could learn the wonderful song being sung in front of the throne of God. The 144,000 had kept themselves morally pure when immorality was all around them. Their focus was on following the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to their pure lives they had integrity—they “told no lies; they are without blame.”

REFLECT

Think about your life; can it be said of you that you are morally pure and have integrity? Can people trust whatever you do and say?

RESPOND

Share your concern with a Christian friend about the importance of moral purity and integrity. Read Philippians 1:9-11 to see what Paul prayed for believers in regard to moral purity and integrity.

Day 5

The Eternal Good News

READ

Revelation 14:6-7

6 And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7 “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.”

The word “gospel” literally means “good news.” This good news can have various aspects. There is the good news about salvation in Jesus and good news about the kingdom He will eventually establish. Involved in every aspect of good news, however, is the need to be in right relationship with the King, the Lord Jesus. The angel John saw urged people to give glory to Him and worship the creator of everything.

REFLECT

Think what a great God you have. He is the creator of everything yet He loves individuals and loved them so much He was willing to die to pay the penalty for their sins.

RESPOND

When the religious authorities told Peter and John not to speak any longer in the name of Jesus, the disciples said they would obey God rather than man. Persecution could be expected. As the disciples returned to their followers, prayer was fervently made before God. Read Acts 4:23-24 to see how they addressed God in their prayer.