Through this blog, I've written about the widening divide within Christianity that is separating the authentic believers from the counterfeit followers. I've explored the risks associated with taking stances against societal wisdom and in turn aligning with biblical principles and laws. And I've presented the realities of how being an active member in the Kingdom of God may very well be an indicator of your true commitment; while adversely, having a nonchalant attitude about Kingdom advancement could symbolize your hearts' real desire. With all that said, it's no secret that I believe that these ideals are all coming to a meeting point rapidly. But I've also been pondering another critical [and scary] thought that's related to the subject of the Mark of the Beast; and how our intelligent and loving friends and family members will run to get it knowing exactly what it is.
First identified in Revelation 13:17, a reader can clearly see that some form of physical symbol or mark on a persons' right hand or forehead will denote that person as a certified follower evil. The chapter goes on to explain how everyone's gotta get the mark, or you won't be able to purchase anything...and I mean anything legally. Now while I believe there is a small percentage of human kind who accept and promote an uncompromising evil lifestyle, the majority of "evil-doers" genuinely feel their acts are not only acceptable, but good - which is exactly the population I'm talking about. See, because of the grand assimilation of right and wrong (thanks to ancient Rome and current America) there is beginning to be no such thing as either good or bad in our minds. Everything is acceptable, everything is can good in some way. Knowing this, it's easy to see how people will be tricked into publicly identifying themselves in this way. But are there those that will accept a chip, a tattoo, or something else because they know it's a rebellious symbol against God? Absolutely.
I cringed when I heard a pronounced Catholic sternly declare "I know I'm a heathen" during a conversation I was in some months ago. Having a desired reservation for hell escape her lips was so shocking to me, after I asked her did she realize what she said (and she repeated it while neglecting to acknowledge her salvation), I wondered what would cause such speech. Some time later it became clear, and it will be why millions will happily get down with the Antichrist....insecurity, leading to rebellion.
The devil convincing the world he doesn't exist isn't his oldest trick. It's making man feel insecure about who he is; this how he trapped Eve in the Garden. The enemy convinced Eve that Gods' instructions prevented her from being "like God", and she was unable to realize she was already made in His image. Regardless of what Adam told her and called her, the serpent's advice allowed her to become insecure about being a woman and a human; and quickly following that, they rebelled. Well, sin works the same way. It's not so much the sin that gets us, it's the insecurity it brings that almost forces us to go against God...willingly. Romans 8:38-39 tells us virtually nothing can separate us from Jesus, who has made us righteous. Yet when we sin, insecurity creeps in, we perceive (and sometimes confirm with words) ourselves us unrighteous. And sadly, overtime there comes acceptance, rooted in insecurity, of failure. Which then brings about rebellion.
And as much as we would like to think it's an unconscious reaction, it's more like a deliberate act. In our own self-pity we temporarily deny the teachings of Jesus Christ for fleeting pleasures, as if to turn our nose up at Him a say, "I've tried Your way and it doesn't work for me."
So just imagine that day, after millions of people have been caught up to be with the true King, how angry and resentful those left behind will feel. They danced every Sunday at their popular mega church and quoted the rapper...uhh...pastor's every word. They kept Kirk Franklin on repeat and always were talking about Jesus. But that day, they've been found unworthy. In their familiar insecurity, instead of being repentant for their lifestyle that kept them away from God's best, they will call Him a liar. And in the ultimate display of rebellion to a God they perceive isn't true, they will get down with the mark.
Guard yourself against your own ego, or else you'll probably get down...
Peace
No comments:
Post a Comment