March 5: THE REMNANT DESCRIBED (part 4)
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13:9-10
God is graciously preparing His followers to refrain from supporting coercion in any form. It would appear that the entire world is coalescing to “save the planet,” along with numerous other fine-sounding goals. The arguments can be very persuasive. The “One World” concept will be elevated and promoted in such a way, both politically and religiously, that not to go along with the plan will seem on par with insanity.
Biblical prophecy has already made clear that the “One World” plan will fail. Previous attempts to unite the divided kingdoms have failed, though they may have briefly seemed that they would succeed: As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:43)
As the Covid epidemic demonstrated, the world is being conditioned to losses of freedom in exchange for safety, security, peace, all by worldly standards and definitions of those words (see 1 Thessalonians 5:3). This conditioning causes some to be quickly subverted at the mere suggestion of “the right course” of action. But, looking ahead, we are informed in God’s word that non-conformists, such as God’s remnant, will be hit hard in the pocketbook by being prevented from earning and spending money (Revelation 13:17). The remnant will indeed possess the patience and the faith necessary to brave such a scenario with a countenance of real peace, knowing that my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 – see also 1 Kings 17:6)
Remaining faithful to God is an attribute of the remnant that will withstand the threat of death: He [the beast from the earth] was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed (Revelation 13:15).
Bear in mind that a time is soon coming when the “One World” government will strongly seem to coalesce. But it will be short-lived. Four times we are told in Revelation’s prophecy that its duration will be one hour (17:12, 18:10,17,19). Going by the day/year principle of Bible prophecy, that is a period of 15 days.
Beloved, are you open to God’s preparation for you to have the patience and faithfulness you will need in a world that legislates coercive mandates? Even now, before restrictions on buying and selling are legislated, many professed followers of Jesus succumb to peer pressure and ridicule. We know beyond all doubt that Satan wants to be worshiped (Matthew 4:9, Luke 4:7), and that begins with leading the sheep away from the true Shepherd.
He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock; And He led them on safely… Psalm 78:52-53a