Revelation 13-14

“Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints” (13:10).  John’s spectacular visions helped suffering believers understand that their lives were part of a great drama; their endurance and faith mattered.  Angels, beasts, seals and trumpets painted a picture that described the real battle between God and those opposed to Him, yet John’s visions also saw the end already accomplished: the victorious Lamb.  For believers struggling against persecution and temptation, John urged “wisdom” (3:18) – choose Christ.

“If anyone has an ear, let him hear” (13:9).  In the midst of confusion and seeming defeat, John’s word of encouragement is ours as well: if we remain with Christ, we will share His victory in the end.