Another, lesser beast arises, this time from the earth, not the sea. This beast plays a secondary role to the first beast, as indicated by only having two horns in comparison. His role is primarily that of a religious nature, guiding people to worship of the first beast, the antichrist. This beast has a “Christian” appearance, but it is a fake, a counterfeit, as Satan is using such means to mimic God. This “false prophet” is subtle, and seductive to lure people into the dragon’s trap, as he complements the agenda of the first beast.
He will perform great signs, as he obscures truth and confuses people, who pledge their allegiance for all the wrong reasons. They’ll feel good about doing so, however, unaware of the trap into which they have fallen. This beast has power that far outweighs that of the Egyptian magicians just prior to the Exodus, and he will be very convincing. Jesus actually prophesied of such power and signs to be displayed by the false christs, and here the beast apparently has divine permission to exhibit this power. Once again, remember, this is during a time of great judgment, and God can very well use such means to carry out His justice.
A physical image of the first beast is constructed, calling to mind the image erected by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3. The image/idol appears to actually speak, and have power to kill those who will not worship its likeness.
Most are familiar with “the mark of the beast”, in some form or another, often fictionalized “Hollywood style”. At some point after the sealing of believers, in chapter 7, the antichrist will drive loyalty by enforcing the issuance and reception of a unique identification, on a person’s hand or forehead. Most believe this to be some sort of branding, such as was common to soldiers, slaves, and people whose work involved devotion to the temple. Then, it will become necessary to display this mark of loyalty to the beast in order to conduct commerce, even to buy life essentials such as food. Receiving the mark and worship of the beast/dragon are directly connected and inseparable.
Much is also made about the number at the end of this chapter, the triple sixes, or “666”. Some believe this to be symbolic of an unholy trinity (Satan, antichrist, false prophet), since “6” is incomplete, and short of “7” which is considered a “perfect”, divine number, symbolic of divinity. Others believe that the mark itself will be three sixes. Many theories also abound that this number was fulfilled by some evil historic figure. Speculation runs rampant, and this makes for good books. A closer look at John’s writing should make this issue a bit clearer.
John says the one who has understanding should “calculate”, or “count” to arrive at the number. Given that this is to happen during the Tribulation, is would appear that believers would be able to figure out the number, that is, it will be obvious to them who the players are in opposition to Christ. The antichrist will be known to be so by believers. The primary meaning then is that calculating a number will be a help to Christians during that time, so that they can clearly identify the antichrist and his team.
A large amount of curiosity for us is normal, yet the number is meant to be recognizable to believers then. Thus, speculation on our part in our time is not helpful or very profitable. The “calculating” will make more sense when antichrist actually appears on the scene. Make sense? If not, it’s OK, it will.
SO WHAT…?
So, how eagerly, perhaps blindly, do I follow what simply feels good or is easiest?
So, it’s fun to speculate and predict, to look for “signs” today. Yet, more important is to follow the Lord as what He has for me to do for Him. Eternity will provide the time to figure out all the prophecies.
So, I can take comfort that God is watching out for me now. If He will do so for those in the midst of the Tribulation, surely I can rest in His joy now.
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