November 20: COME TO THE LIGHT NOW

Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. Revelation 16:10

Yesterday’s closing verse stated that their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21). Such spiritual darkness is now accompanied by a literal darkness over the throne and realm of the beast.

The first four of the final plagues are poured out upon the world at large, but the fifth plague zeros in on the throne of the beast. This is the world’s seat of authority for Satan himself. For centuries Satan has occupied this seat by delegating his power to the beast’s heads, one after another. This darkness spreads to his kingdom, meaning those who have rejected the words of Christ in favor of traditions, man-made doctrines, and selfish preferences.

Let us be reminded of John’s vision when he describes the beast: I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority (Revelation 13:1,2b).

Notice that the same blasphemous name (singular) is given to each of the heads. It is blasphemous because of the representation of itself as occupying the place of Christ: Vicarius Filii Dei. This name pretends to make the head of the fallen church equal with God (John 5:18) and claims the power to forgive sins (Mark 2:7; Luke 5:21). In making such statements about Himself, Jesus was absolutely correct, though He was accused of blasphemy by the religious leaders. But the series of heads of the beast have been directed by Satan to proclaim such authority for themselves, one after another, which resulted in enormous control over the masses. Albeit usurped, this declaration of preeminence and authority has even reached the point of pompously altering the Law of God (Daniel 7:25). In reality, God’s Law has not changed, yet many actually believe the pompous words. Only Christ is the preeminent One (Colossians 1:18), and neither He nor His Law is subject to change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

The thick darkness that comes upon the throne of the beast and his kingdom will make it evident to the world that the so-called power of the beast is impotent to aid or protect its followers. This plague can be compared to the plague of darkness in Egypt, which could even be felt: They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:21,23). Though a time length is not provided in John’s vision, God’s people will not be subject to this terrifying darkness.

Take note: the last-day plague of darkness accompanies foul and loathsome sores, unmatched thirst, and an indescribable sunburn. Such preventable suffering is further described: and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. All because of the refusal to come to Jesus.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12