This is the third study of Revelation chapter 13. The other two can be found by following these links.
So far, we have looked at the context in which this chapter is found and noted that it forms part of the great cosmic conflict between the dragon (representing Satan) and the woman representing the people of God which is described in Revelation 12.
We have also observed that there is an unholy trinity as a counterfeit of the divine trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In today's study we want to discuss briefly two aspects of this scene in John's apocalyptic vision.
Firstly, let us think about the description of the first beast and how it compares with the four beasts of Daniel's vision.
Secondly, we want to contrast the two beasts in order to learn lessons for our Christian walk in increasingly challenging times.
So what about the description of the first beast. Here is how John describes the beast which he witnessed.
[1] And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. [2] And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. [Revelation 13:1-2 NIV]
If you look back at the Old Testament prophecy of Daniel, you will find that John's description is a composite of four different beasts which Daniel described (Daniel 7). Daniel's first beast was like a lion; his second beast was like a bear; his third beast was like a leopard and his fourth beast had ten horns. Why is John appearing to mess around with Daniel's four beasts which were taken to represent four consecutive historical empires. I am going to suggest that this beast of Revelation does not apply to only one empire such as the Roman Empire. It has a general application which applies to all human empires in different generations. I have followed several commentaries in taking this approach.
We can see trace examples throughout history of both beasts at work. My history is a bit rusty and I donated my history books to the local secondary school when Janie and I moved to a smaller house in Falkirk. However, there are striking similarities with the rise of Hitler and Naziism in Germany in the 1930s. I referred to this in a previous blog. Hitler struck a deal with the Roman Catholic Church which was known as a Concordat. This allowed the Roman Catholic church to continue to function during Hitler's oppressive 'reich' or empire while at the same time they did not condemn his campaign against the Jewish people in Europe. Some brave individuals stood up against the tyranny of the Nazi rule and were persecuted. More recently, Vladimir Putin has the support of the Russian Orthodox Church is his war in Ukraine.
One notable feature of the second beast is deception. Its primary function is propaganda - persuading the inhabitants of the earth to worship the beast.
It ….. makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast ….. it deceives those who dwell on earth. (Revelation 13:12-14).
The fact that wars give rise to intensive propaganda campaigns has made many persons suppose that propaganda is something new and modern. The word itself came into common use in this country as late as 1914, when World War I began. The truth is, however, that propaganda is not new and modern. Nobody would make the mistake of assuming that it is new if, from early times, efforts to mobilize attitudes and opinions had actually been called “propaganda.” The battle for men’s minds is as old as human history. [American Historical Association: The Story of Propaganda; historians.org).
The most striking example of employing deception and propaganda to support a corrupt regime is in North Korea where Kim Jong-Un is worshipped by his nation as the saviour of his country. Russia too employs propaganda to justify the war in Ukraine. Despite triggering the war by launching an invasion of its neighbour in February 2022, the Kremlin has repeatedly presented the conflict as a fight for Russia's survival, in a bid to encourage patriotic sentiment among the Russian population. We have observed deception being used in the United States where Donald Trump is still supported by evangelical Christians despite his unwillingness to face the truth. This was especially true when he was defeated at the last presidential election. Just before I offend anyone, I am not saying that Donald Trump is the antichrist. I am asking for us to look at our world from the lens of Revelation, acknowledging that Satan uses deception effectively to achieve his purposes. Thankfully, Revelation also makes clear that Satan is restricted in his power and that God allows these beasts to exercise authority for a limited time only.
It might seem that the second beast is less frightening than the first beast. The composite picture of the beast from the sea is daunting - a beast which has ten horns, looks like a leopard but has feet resembling a bear and a lion's mouth. By comparison, the second beast appears to be a harmless lamb (and, of course, this beast is a parody of God's Lamb, the striking image of Jesus in Revelation). But, surprisingly, this lamb has horns and speaks like a dragon. The first beast depends on the second beast for its authority. The second beast is winning the hearts and minds. The Romans were maintained in power by having the support of native officials and by the skilful use of propaganda. Hitler used extensive propaganda to persuade enough people to support him, playing on their prejudices and fears. Putin has been able to destroy large parts of Ukraine because he has a powerful propaganda machine at work winning the hearts and minds of Russians and terrorising those who disagree with him. My views on the situation in USA is more controversial but this once powerful democracy has been seriously weakened by a catalogue of lies and deception by both Democrats and Republicans. Is the United Kingdom any better? Is Scotland any better? One courageous politician lost the leadership race in the Scottish National Party because she told the truth and demonstrated integrity - a rare quality among the leadership class in the British Isles.
I rarely comment on political matters on Dayshare but I have made an exception in today's blog as I have tried to interpret the two beasts in chapter 13 of Revelation. I know that many Christians see these two beasts as being fulfilled in a future Great Tribulation. I am more inclined to see signs of the existence of two mutually supportive beasts throughout the history of the two millennia since Jesus returned to heaven. I have not done justice to the complex history of the world but if I have made you think, then the blog was worth writing. As Christians we need to stand back and avoid partisan political stances and be aware of our own fears and prejudices. I am not saying that Christians should avoid politics because I am grateful to those who have been prepared to stand for God in a public arena which resembles the Roman gladiator contests. I am praying for humility and a mind to be receptive to God's Word and apply it to our national and international situation
The late-night parade was held to celebrate the 73rd founding anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea . [KCNA via EPA] From Aljazeera.
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