Revelation 13.11-18 - "Pastor Beast!"

Revelation 13.11-18 - "Pastor Beast!"

Revelation 13 is a wake-up call for pastors and politicians. This Apocalypse warns that believers suffer in this world. John now reveals the causes. Satan is blamed primarily (chapter 12), but the devil does not work alone. He has corrupted and counterfeited two God-appointed institutions for his wicked ends - the state (13.1-8) and the church (13.11-18). A state executed our Savior because a church betrayed Him. But Scripture does not endorse anarchy, both government and church leaders are to be obeyed (1 Peter 2.13-17, Hebrews 13.17). These things are complicated! The end-time pictures of Revelation are sharp and vivid. Good and evil are contrasted starkly. They are seen from an 'unmasked' eternal viewpoint. Politicians who do not bow before the King of Kings; or pastors who betray the Lord of Lords have - knowingly or unknowingly - been enlisted by the Beast. Neutrality is no option before God the Judge.