September 23, 2021
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except the one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17
Worldly troubles are escalating in these last days. The enemy of our souls is up to the same old strategies: deception and coercion, and the scale is broadening. Soon, the worldwide system will implement a plan to exclude God’s faithful from buying and selling. It is interesting that Satan chooses this method of “punishment” for his enemies, for throughout history God’s Word has spoken to the issue of buying and selling; business in general. He has provided a proper time and place for business exchanges, as well as a proper demeanor and attitude (Exodus 20:8-11, Leviticus 25:14).
And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is to this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
While it is certainly true that hardships are coming to the inhabitants of the earth (Revelation 12:12), those whose hearts are given fully to God need not stress over the threats of Satan and his one-world strategies. The ideas that lend credence to the coercive mark will be marketed in a positive light and probably sound very good economically and ecologically. But they will undermine the Lord’s foundational teachings regarding worship. The very words of God will be co-opted and misapplied in order to deceive people and divert worship away from Him.
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
…as many as received Him, to them He gave the right* to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12
*The word translated right can also be translated power or authority. His Holy Spirit is the power that enables us to honor and obey our precious Redeemer. This is how we glorify Him!
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you?” Psalm 50:15-17
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” John 4:23 (see also 2 Chronicles 16:9)